Is it too soon for the Texas Rangers to talk extension with Evan Carter?

Why should Texas sign Evan Carter to an extension?

Evan Carter was an unheralded second-round pick back in 2020. He was so unknown that the pick was somewhat ridiculed by the MLB Network crew covering the draft that night. From the moment he stepped on the field finally in 2021, Carter has answered every question fans and experts had about him. He has been everything Texas could have hoped for when they drafted him.

Carter showed he can be a five-tool player at the major league level. All five tools were on display during his brief time in the majors in September and October. Carter had a .306 batting average in the regular season and a .300 batting average in postseason play. Carter hit six home runs combined between regular and postseason. Carter also set a major-league record with nine doubles during the postseason. Carter also had six stolen bases combined between regular and postseason play. He made several great plays out in left field and center field. He did all of this at age 21 in the heat of a pennant race and in the postseason.

Texas can show an appreciation and a long-term commitment to Evan Carter. The team is now led by Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. The next generation of the Texas Rangers will likely be led by Evan Carter, Wyatt Langford, Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker, and others. Texas would be sending the message to Carter that they are building this team's future around him. It would also indicate to younger players that if they play well the team will reward them.

The last but also best reason to extend Carter is it gives the team financial certainty with one of their best players. Texas can lay out what they will pay Carter yearly and then budget the rest of the team around that. Texas can avoid the often unpredictable arbitration process. Texas would have Carter locked down and know that he will be their left field or center fielder for the long term.

Next: Maybe Texas should wait on signing Carter to an extension