Evan Carter: The Texas Rangers' Key to 2026 Success
Evan Carter has shown us glimpses of greatness, especially during his breakout 2023 season. With a slash line of .306/.413/.645 and an impressive postseason performance, he was instrumental in leading the Rangers to their first World Series title. But since then, it's been a rollercoaster ride for the talented outfielder.
Injuries have been a significant hurdle for Carter. Back issues limited him to just 45 games in 2024, and 2025 wasn't much kinder.
He began the season with Triple-A Round Rock and faced a series of setbacks, including a quad strain, back spasms, and a broken wrist. Despite these challenges, Carter showed resilience, improving his stats in 2025 with a .247/.336/.392 line and displaying solid defensive skills with 4 Outs Above Average as a center fielder.
This spring, Carter is looking to regain his form. Though he started slow in the Cactus League, going hitless in his first two games, he found his stride with a leadoff triple against the Diamondbacks. It's a promising sign for the Rangers, who are counting on him to be a crucial part of their lineup alongside stars like Corey Seager, Brandon Nimmo, and Wyatt Langford.
The Rangers are optimistic about Carter's potential in 2026. They plan to give him more opportunities against left-handed pitchers, an area where he's struggled, with only five hits in 60 at-bats. The team believes that with more exposure, Carter can improve and become one of the top outfielders in the league.
Tom Verducci from MLB Network noted that the Rangers envision Carter as their primary center fielder this season. However, with both Carter and Langford getting reps at the position, it's still up in the air who will take the spot on Opening Day. Regardless, Carter's poised for a pivotal role and a strong 2026 campaign.
The Rangers' success this season could hinge on Carter's health and ability to adapt. If he can stay on the field and improve against lefties, Texas might just have one of the most formidable lineups in baseball. Keep an eye on Carter-he's ready to make a big impact.