The Texas Rangers’ gamble on Evan Carter in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft has proven to be one of the most rewarding decisions in franchise history. Originally seen as an under-the-radar pick, Carter’s rise to stardom culminated in his pivotal contributions to the Rangers’ 2023 World Series championship. His defensive prowess and offensive consistency made him an integral part of that title run, highlighted by his spectacular catch that etched his name into Rangers postseason lore.
Baseball America’s 2020 Re-Draft: Carter Climbs to No. 6
In a recent re-draft by Baseball America, Carter’s meteoric rise was recognized as he jumped from the 50th overall pick to No. 6 overall, projected to the Seattle Mariners. This hypothetical shift underscores the value Carter has brought to Texas and the rarity of finding such a polished talent in the second round.
Rangers fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Carter’s development took place in Arlington. Without him, the team’s 2023 championship run might have looked vastly different, as his clutch performances and defensive excellence were irreplaceable.
Carter’s Impactful Debut and Playoff Performance
Carter made his MLB debut in September 2023 as a 20-year-old, slashing .306/.413/.645 with five home runs in just 23 regular-season games. He carried that momentum into the postseason, hitting .300 while providing elite defense in left field. His maturity and poise as a young player elevated the Rangers’ lineup and added depth to their outfield.
A Setback in 2024
Unfortunately, Carter’s 2024 season was hampered by a persistent back issue, limiting him to just 45 games. His struggles at the plate were evident, as he slashed .188/.272/.361 with five home runs and 15 RBI. After undergoing a back ablation procedure in October, Carter and the Rangers are optimistic about a healthy return in 2025.
The Rangers’ Other 2020 Pick: Justin Foscue
In the 2020 draft, the Rangers also selected Justin Foscue with the 14th overall pick. Foscue made his MLB debut in 2024, adding another layer of homegrown talent to the roster. However, in the re-draft, the Rangers are projected to take Garrett Mitchell, an outfielder who went 20th overall to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Mitchell has demonstrated strong potential, accumulating 3.6 bWAR over parts of three MLB seasons. In 2024, he played a career-high 69 games, slashing .255/.342/.469 with eight home runs and 21 RBI. While productive, Mitchell’s career trajectory has yet to reach the heights of Carter’s impact on the Rangers.
Looking Ahead
As the Rangers prepare for 2025, the team and fans eagerly await Carter’s return to full strength. If he can recapture his 2023 form, he’ll once again be a cornerstone of the lineup and a key piece in the Rangers’ pursuit of sustained success.
