Evan Carter's response to injury troubles could change course for 2026 Rangers

Ever since Evan Carter burst onto the scene with the Rangers in late 2023 and played a huge role in Texas winning its first World Series in franchise history, the young outfielder has struggled to remain healthy. He appeared in just 45 games in 2024 due to back issues. He began last season with Triple-A Round Rock and landed on the IL three times in 2025, suffering a quad strain in May, back spasms in August and a broken wrist 10 days later.

While Carter, 23, hasn't been able to replicate the 2023 version of himself, who hit .300/.417/.500 in 72 plate appearances during the postseason as a 21-year-old, he was still a valuable player during his limited action last season, slashing .247/.336/.392 (114 OPS+) with 4 Outs Above Average (OAA) as a center fielder.

Primed to be the Rangers' starting center fielder in 2026, Carter feels great about his health early in spring training.

“Health-wise, I feel really, really good,” Carter said to reporters, including MLB.com's Kennedi Landry, right before he reported to Arizona. “I’m excited about it. I’m trying not to jinx anything or get too giddy, but feel really good. I feel like I've kind of been telling myself that I felt good in the past. I feel really good right now."

A healthy Evan Carter could help Rangers be World Series contenders in 2026

Carter was still an above-average hitter last season despite suffering numerous injuries. If he is fully healthy, there is a good shot he can return to the elite level he reached in 2023.

Of course, health is a big question for any big-league team. The Los Angeles Dodgers may be the only squad with enough depth to feel confident they can make a postseason run even if they suffer multiple key injuries.

Still, a healthy Rangers team could be a World Series contender. We all know what Carter can do when he's performing to the best of his abilities. A healthy Carter in a lineup with Corey Seager, Brandon Nimmo and Wyatt Langford could be among the best in the game.

To go along with a lineup with lots of potential, Texas arguably possesses the best starting rotation in MLB. Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi are as good a one-two punch as you can find, and MacKenzie Gore and Jack Leiter are solid No. 3 and No. 4 starters who have No. 1-starter potential. Kumar Rocker and Jacob Latz are decent No. 5-starter options, and Cody Bradford and Jordan Montgomery will give the team extra depth when they return later in the season.

Let's hope Carter's confidence in his health translates to at least 140 games. If that happens, Rangers fans should have a lot to be excited about once the playoffs near.