Will Evan Carter be Next Rookie of Year Winner for Texas Rangers?
While it feels like Evan Carter is a seasoned veteran, he’s still a rookie. And he’ll remain one for next season, as the outfielder figures to be an everyday starter for the World Series champion Texas Rangers.
Carter proved integral after a late-season callup and throughout the Rangers’ run to the franchise’s first title. The 2020 second-round pick was in the lineup just about every game and delivered on baseball’s biggest stage.
As such, he’ll go into next season as one of the favorites to win American League Rookie of the Year. In the eyes of the MLB Pipeline Podcast, Carter my be the favorite.
The podcast’s hosts, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo, did a draft of 10 prospects they predict could take home Rookie of the Year in 2024. Carter is still considered the Rangers’ top prospect and No. 8 overall.
Carter went first in the draft, with the following breakdown from Callis:
Carter amassed 1.6 bWAR in 23 games at the end of the regular season before playing postseason hero with a .300/.417/.500 slash line. Despite turning just 21 in August, he already feels like a proven commodity.
“We saw what he did down the stretch. I think the one issue he’s going to have to overcome is he hasn’t done a lot of damage against lefties. I think he’s the obvious pick, for me, in a group of not-a-lot-of-obvious guys.”
The second pick in the podcast draft also shared the World Series stage – shortstop Jordan Lawlar of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Rangers have had two players win Rookie of the Year in club history – Neftali Feliz (2010) and Mike Hargrove (1974).
You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.
Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.
