Texas Rangers Prospect Carter 'Belongs,' Going to Minors on Positive Note
Texas Rangers prospect Evan Carter sure made an impression during his Spring Training stay in the big leagues.
The organization's top outfielder prospect was sent down to minor-league camp Saturday before the Rangers' 8-7 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Carter made the most of this time with the Rangers, picking the brains of the veterans such as Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, whether from a hitting or fielding standpoint.
"Learning the little things, what to do and not to do," Carter said.
The Rangers drafted Carter in 2020, and he's No. 41 in MLB's top prospect rankings for 2023. Carter dazzled in his brief time at Double-A Frisco last season, along with a decent season at High-A Hickory.
Carter appeared in 13 games this spring, with an OPS of .829, seven walks and two stolen bases. On the defensive side, he's accumulated three outfield assists and a few dazzling plays.
So, was making the Opening Day roster a goal for Carter when he arrived in Surprise?
"I'm a realistic person," Carter said. "I'm not going to come in here saying I should make the team. I'm 20 years old. I haven't had many games in Double-A. I want to come here and learn as much as I can, grow as a player and grow as a person."
Carter was optioned along with nine others to minor league camp. While Carter won't start the season in the big leagues, he's made impressions on the staff and manager Bruce Bochy.
"I think he feels he belongs," Bochy said. "He's got quiet confidence [and] never saw him nervous. You can see him with plate discipline. Had to be good for him to play in a lot of games."
Carter reminds Bochy of Steve Finley, who Bochy managed from 1995-98 with the San Diego Padres. Finley won five Gold Gloves and made two All-Star teams in his 19-year MLB career.
"Steve was a good center fielder, baserunner, a good hitter [and] could drive the ball," Bochy said. "Right now, that's one that comes to mind, and [Finley] was a really good player."
Carter appreciates the support he's received from Bochy.
"It's all you want from a manager," Carter said. "[Bochy] is great. He's supportive and everything I would want in a manager. He's been good."
Carter will start the season in the minors, but the experience this camp will stick.
You can find Alex Plinck on Twitter @aplinckTX.
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