It has been a challenging season for the Texas Rangers, marred by a series of injuries and tough competition within the AL West division. Notably, outfielder Evan Carter, who had been showing immense promise, is not expected to see any more action this year due to ongoing issues with lower back tightness.
Carter's struggle with back tightness has kept him sidelined since May 26. The young outfielder made his MLB debut on September 8 and has played in 23 regular season games. Despite his limited time on the field, Carter posted impressive statistics with a batting average of .306, an on-base percentage of .413, and a slugging percentage of .645. In the postseason, he continued to demonstrate his talent, achieving a batting average of .300, an on-base percentage of .417, and a slugging percentage of .500 over 17 games.
The Rangers' season, however, took a historic turn as they clinched their first World Series title. This triumph was preceded by the team securing a wild-card berth during the final weekend of the regular season. Despite the celebration, the team must navigate the remainder of the season without Carter, who remains rookie-eligible going into 2024.
A Promising Young Talent
Evan Carter's journey with the Texas Rangers began when he was selected in the second round of the 2020 draft. According to Chris Young, "Carter, who didn't partake in many showcase circuit events as an amateur, was a relative unknown when the Rangers selected him. Initial criticism gave way to fast-and-furious mea culpas once area scouts who saw him that spring started to spread The Word. Carter has since introduced himself to the world on a national stage during the postseason."
Young’s insights reflect the rapid rise of Carter within the professional baseball community. “He's also a speedy runner who can play all three outfield positions. The main question left about his game entails his power potential. Whatever the resolution, he's going to remain an important part of the Rangers lineup for years to come,” added Young.
Adapting to Adversity
In Carter’s absence, the Texas Rangers have demonstrated resilience by restructuring their outfield lineup. Wyatt Langford, Leody Taveras, and Adolis García have stepped in from left to right, showcasing the team’s depth and ability to adapt. Additionally, Josh Jung has made a remarkable return from a broken wrist, resuming his role at third base, while Josh Smith has shifted to designated hitter.
Even with these adjustments, the only new position player added at the trade deadline was backup catcher Carson Kelly. The Rangers, holding a 52-55 record, trail both the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners by 3 1/2 games in the AL West, and are six games behind the third wild-card spot, highlighting the uphill battle the team faces as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
As the Texas Rangers continue to navigate their injury-laden season, the spotlight remains on how the team can maintain their competitive edge and build upon their historic World Series victory. While Evan Carter's absence is a significant blow, the collective efforts of players like Wyatt Langford, Leody Taveras, Adolis García, Josh Jung, and Josh Smith demonstrate the team’s depth and potential for future success.
The Texas Rangers' ability to adapt and overcome adversity will be crucial as they strive to close the gap in the standings and secure a playoff berth. With promising talents like Evan Carter waiting in the wings, the future looks bright for a franchise that has already achieved a historic milestone this season.