Evan Carter DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Texas Rangers are likely going to recall outfielder Evan Carter before Tuesday's series opener in Boston against the Red Sox, according to general manager Chris Young. It remains to be seen if Carter will be in the starting lineup at Fenway Park, but he has earned a promotion back to the big leagues for the first time in 2025 after heating up at the plate recently at Triple-A Round Rock. The 22-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder hit .221/.333/.416 with three home runs, nine RBI, six steals and 13 runs scored in 21 games at Round Rock. Although Carter hit just .188 (27-for-144) with 43 K's, five homers and 15 RBI in 45 games in 2024 and has dealt with injuries, he could get a shot as Texas' primary center fielder against right-handed pitchers moving forward after the team recently cut Leody Taveras. In just 23 regular-season games his rookie year, Carter hit .306/.413/.645 with five homers and 12 RBI.

Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter did not make the Opening Day roster and is being optioned to Triple-A Round Rock. Carter made his MLB debut during the 2023 campaign and played a critical role during their World Series run. Across his first 23 games in the majors, Carter posted a strong .306/.413/.645 slash line with four doubles and five home runs. During the postseason, he continued to produce as he held a strong .300/.417/.500 line. However, in 2024, Carter dealt with a lingering back injury, which eventually cut his season short after just 45 contests. During spring training, Carter struggled as he posted an underwhelming .154/.214/.205 slash line. Fantasy managers should expect Carter to compete for an early return to the big leagues, especially if he finds his footing at the top level of the minor leagues. In Texas, Leody Taveras will likely see most of the opportunities in center field to start the season.

Texas Rangers outfielders Evan Carter and Leody Taveras could start the year in a platoon in center field, according to MLB.com's Kennedi Landry. Neither player has hit lefties well, but Carter has really struggled, hitting .081/.150/.081 with three total hits against lefties in the big leagues since debuting late in the 2023 season. He has five strikeouts in seven at-bats against southpaws in spring training. The 22-year-old just hasn't had much exposure to high-leverage lefties in the big leagues in only 68 regular-season games played. He also played just 45 games in 2024 due to a back injury that the team is still managing. Carter expects to improve against lefties in time, but the Rangers might just continue avoid having him face them. Between recurring back issues and the fact that he won't play regularly, Carter's fantasy upside is limited in 2025.