June 2020: Carter was the Rangers' second round pick, out of Elizabethton High School in Tennessee. And Carter signed with the Rangers for a bonus of $1.25 million, via scouts Derrick Tucker and Ryan Coe, below the slot value of $1,469,900 for the 50th pick.

Evan had signed a commit to Duke.

In high school, Evan was a member of the National Honor Society and has served as part of the Student Government Association for all four years of his high school career. He was the valedictorian of his high school class.

Carter is also involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Evan was a two-sport athlete who also played football during his freshman year where he was a wide receiver and safety. 

Carter plans to sign with the Rangers over going to Duke, calling the decision a "no-brainer."

"It's a great organization," Carter said via Zoom call. "I'm truly blessed to be a part of their family, and I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of it."

The Rangers were very interested in Carter from the get-go.

"He's an unbelievable kid," said Rangers Senior Director of Amateur Scouting Kip Fagg. "We saw him last summer. We saw him in the fall. Actually, the last game I saw this spring before the pandemic, I was in Elizabethton, Tennessee. I was in front of the family a couple of times. Unbelievable family. Unbelievable kid. He was the valedictorian of his high school. It's incredible. He's a five-tool player. We feel like we beat a lot of teams."

June 12, 2020: Despite being taken with the No. 50 selection, Carter was not listed on MLB Pipeline's Top 200 Prospects list going into the Draft. Other lists also did not include him. He was undaunted by such projections and was ready with his Rangers cap when they drafted him.  

“I know I have always flown under the radar,” Carter said. “I never went to the Perfect Game camps or anything like that. I know wherever I show up, I’m there to compete and I’m there to be the best. I definitely let my actions speak for themselves on the field.”

Carter is signing as a left-handed-hitting outfielder, even though he also impressed as a right-handed pitcher in high school.

“This is kind of a no-brainer,” Carter said about signing with the Rangers. “It just kind of makes sense to me and my family.”

As a junior in 2019, Carter was named Super 22 Player of the Year and earned first-team all-state honors. He hit .324 with four home runs and 27 RBIs, while going 10-2 with a 1.34 ERA and six complete games on the mound.

Carter comes from the same high school that produced former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. Carter played football as a freshman, playing wide receiver and safety, and his coach was Witten's brother, Shawn.

Carter said he grew up rooting for the Rangers. His father, Jason, is a Rangers fan and is friends with Danny Clark, the organization’s Minor League pitching coordinator.

“We were a little worried, there were a couple of teams on him,” Fagg said. “I knew Kansas City was on him. Pittsburgh was another team. We were very excited to get this guy. He is the one guy today I think our group is most excited about.” (TR Sullivan - MLB.com - June 12, 2020)

2020 Season: Carter was part of the Rangers’ Instructional League team in October 2020. And despite being one of the youngest players in Arizona at Instructs, word is he turned a lot of heads around baseball with his performance at the plate. BP specifically says he “absolutely destroyed the ball against a higher level of arm” than usually is at Instructs, in noting that he could be “on the national scene as soon as next season. (Adam J. Morris - Jan 25, 2021)

2021 Season: Though they surprised many clubs by taking Carter in 2020's second round out of a Tennessee high school, the Rangers believed in his five-tool potential and his makeup. A stress fracture shut down his 2021 pro debut after 32 games, but he impressed with his patience (34 walks) and flashed solid tools across the board.  (January 6, 2022 - William Boor, Jim Callis, Sam Dykstra)

March 8, 2022: Evan doesn’t think much about what could have happened in 2020.

In the fall of 2020, Carter could have been starting his freshman season at Duke University. With the MLB Draft shortened to just five rounds due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Carter figured to be on his way to college after graduating from Elizabethton High School (Elizabethton, Tenn.). 

Instead, the Rangers shocked the baseball world by selecting him in the second round at No. 50 overall. Carter wasn’t ranked on MLB Pipeline’s Top 200 Draft prospects for that season and not even Baseball America’s Top 500, but the Rangers saw something in him that fit the organization.

"He's an unbelievable kid," said Rangers senior director of amateur scouting Kip Fagg after the Draft. "We saw him last summer. We saw him in the fall. Actually, the last game I saw this spring before the pandemic, I was in Elizabethton, Tennessee. Unbelievable family. Unbelievable kid. He was the valedictorian of his high school. It's incredible. He's a five-tool player. We feel like we beat a lot of teams."

Fagg added that other clubs, specifically the Royals and Pirates, were high on Carter and there was no guarantee he would be available for the Rangers’ next pick in the third round. Assistant general manager for player development Ross Fenstermaker also said that Carter would have been on more radars if not for the pandemic. Carter also doesn’t like to think about what could or would have happened if COVID-19 hadn’t cut his senior season short. He’s just happy to be where he is now.

"I was always a big believer in just letting your play talk for itself," Carter said. "I’m not going to go out here and say what would’ve happened. I'm just going to play and have fun and that's all I could do. I can’t say for sure [how things would have changed]. Obviously, everybody wants to play their senior season in high school, but as far as how things would have turned out, I'm just grateful for the way they did. I'm not looking back on anything now."

It quickly became apparent that the Rangers' decision to pick Carter where they did wasn't misguided. He shined at instructional league in 2020 and made his professional debut with Low-A Down East in May. He slashed .236/.438/.387 over 32 games before his potential breakthrough debut season was suddenly derailed by a lower back fracture in mid-June. "I got hurt and that's not what you want to see," Carter said. "But there's good in everything. I believe God's got a plan for me. I learned a lot of stuff here in rehab and being around the facility throughout the season, I wouldn't have otherwise. There’s a positive to everything. I was always super grateful to have the team that I did have."

While his slash line doesn’t blow anybody away on the surface, Carter quickly adjusted to professional baseball. After posting just a .203 average in May, he hit .297 over 11 games in June before sustaining the back injury. He also drew 34 walks to 28 strikeouts and added 12 stolen bases in 16 attempts.

Fenstermaker noted that Carter has a good foundation as a hitter, with his control of the zone and ability to recognize pitches. At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Carter is quick for his size, and when he fills out and builds strength, he’ll be in a better place at the plate going forward. "I think he has, at his age, an elite ability to control the zone," said Carlos Cardoza, who was his manager at Low-A. "Oftentimes, that's a big-time indicator of guys that are going to hit and hit well. It was a short span, but even in that short span, I think he learned a lot. I think all the ingredients are there for him to succeed if he can stay healthy and have a great year next year." (K Landry - MLB.com - March 8, 2022)

2022 Season: Carter was named the Rangers Minor League Player Of The Year by Baseball America. He also won a Minor League Gold Glove.

Carter has been a professional baseball player since 2020, when there was no minor league season.

He broke spring training in 2021 with Low-A Down East, but a stress fracture in his lower back ended his season after just 32 games.

The 2022 season was effectively Carter's first full year as a pro. The 20-year-old spent the bulk of the season at High-A Hickory before a late promotion to Double-A Frisco.

Carter didn’t just survive, he flourished, proving again that the Rangers were wise to spend their second-round pick on him.

“For me, I feel like I’ve controlled what I can control,” Carter said. “Regardless of the outcomes, I’ve been happy with my effort and preparation that I feel like I’ve done to be ready for the season. That’s all I can judge—things I can control—and I’m really happy with those.

"It’s been a good year as far as that goes.”

The Rangers see Carter as a potential five-tool player. He is already growing into his power, which is boosted by his outstanding strike-zone discipline.

In 106 games this season he hit .295/.397/.489 with 12 home runs, 28 stolen bases, 64 walks and 81 strikeouts.

His success comes two years after many questioned the Rangers for drafting him when they did. He was not considered one of the country's elite draft prospects, though the Rangers believe he would have been on draft boards had his high school season not been canceled by the pandemic.

“It makes you feel happy that the people who did trust their decision or stick their necks out for you and make that decision, you feel proud that you proved them right,” Carter said.

“I’m not out here trying to prove anybody wrong. (Jeff Wilson on September 19, 2022)

Aug 28, 2023: How’s that for a birthday present? Rangers top prospect Evan Carter, who turned 21, was promoted to Triple-A Round Rock on his birthday. 

Barely 24 hours after his promotion to Triple-A, Evan Carter gave himself an unforgettable 21st birthday present ... four, to be exact.

He equaled a career high with four hits in his Triple-A debut and added an RBI and a stolen base for good measure. Round Rock's won 10-9 over Oklahoma City at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. 

Carter got the start in center field in the Express’ game against the Oklahoma City Dodgers. MLB Pipeline’s No. 8 overall prospect, Carter slashed .284/.411/.451 with 12 homers in 97 games with Double-A Frisco this season. Since coming off the injured list from a nagging hand injury on June 21, Carter has slashed .290/.417/.500 with a .917 OPS in 56 games.

He admitted the hand injury, which he suffered after being hit by a pitch in May, affected him more than he realized, and he could have used the break a little sooner. “He's really turned it on [in the second half], and he’s been very good,” said GM Chris Young. “We're excited. We feel the same about him as we have since the beginning of the year. He's a tremendously talented player. He embodies Ranger values, and we’re excited about his future.”

Carter has had a long journey from being a high schooler. The Rangers pick was widely criticized by much of the baseball community. The outfielder has continued to prove the doubters wrong ever since. 

Carter was the Rangers' Minor League Player of the Year in 2022, slashing .295/.397/.489 with 21 doubles, 10 triples, 12 home runs, 28 steals and 73 RBIs between High-A Hickory and Double-A Frisco. He also won a Minor League Gold Glove Award in center field. (K Landry - MLB.com - Aug 29, 2023)

MLB DEBUT

MLB debut (Sept 8, 2023):  Evan said back in July that he didn’t just want to be a top prospect. He wanted to be a big leaguer.  Now he is.

The Rangers called up Carter, the club’s No. 1 prospect, to debut in the club's eventual 6-3 loss vs. Oakland at Globe Life Field. Carter went 1-for-3 with a single in his first at-bat, a walk and a stolen base. Carter was called up after Texas had to place outfielder Adolis García on the IL.

“I’m going to be on cloud nine, kind of floating out there,” Carter said. “I'm sure the legs are going to be a little bit like jelly underneath me, but I'm really excited. I'm sure once the game gets going, everything will kind of ease out. Baseball is baseball no matter what level, so I'm just really excited.”

General manager Chris Young said Carter has been on the front office’s radar all season long, but especially in recent weeks since his promotion to Triple-A Round Rock. “[García's] injury aside, Evan has performed at both Double-A and Triple-A this year,” Young said. “He has an elite approach, strike zone awareness and control and really fits the profile of a player that we think can have success at the Major League level. We also recognize that Evan is still developing and there's a learning curve.

“This will be the best pitching he's ever faced in the Major Leagues and he's coming into a pennant race. I don't want any unfair expectations for Evan. But we're very, very excited to add him to our roster. We're very optimistic and excited about his future and we think he makes the Texas Rangers better, both now and in the future. We're excited for his debut.”

Carter hit .284/.411/.451 with 12 homers and 22 steals in 97 games with Double-A Frisco this season before a birthday promotion to Triple-A Round Rock on Aug. 29. He played just eight games with the Express, but slashed .353/.436/.382 with a double and three steals over that time.

Sept. 8, 2023: According to Rangers radio play-by-play announcer Jared Sandler, Carter is the first player in the expansion era with a hit, walk, stolen base, and outfield assist in his Major League debut. (Brian Sweet)

GM Chris Young said they anticipate Carter will play almost every day at the big league level, but especially against right-handed pitchers. He hit .292 with all but one of 35 extra-base hits against righties, compared to .272 against lefties this season. (K Landry - MLB.com - Sept 8, 2023) 

SPECIAL SLIDING MITTS

Standing on first base in Game 4 of the ALCS, Rangers rookie Evan Carter strapped a protective sliding mitt onto his left hand and got ready to run. The vampiric sliding mitt featured a white background, black hair, two bloody fangs, a (winged) bat and a black strap designed to look like Dracula’s cape. Halloween had come early. 

“Won’t be home for it this year. Shoot,” Carter said later, ahead of his first World Series. “I’d rather be here, though, than home for Halloween.”

The Dracula sliding mitt had arrived in the home clubhouse at Globe Life Field in Arlington that morning in a box shipped from the Nashville studio of a company called Absolutely Ridiculous innovation for Athletes (ARiA).

In that box Carter opened before Game 4 of the ALCS, there were three sliding mitts: Resurrection, Bible and … Dracula. He texted X:  I’m gonna wear the Dracula tonight. But by now he’s worn all three. He wore the Bible mitt in the next game and the Resurrection mitt ever since. X knows this because people message him every time Carter is on base.

Like in Game 5 of the ALCS. Carter walked leading off the eighth inning. He reached first base, did his prayer-hands celebration toward the Rangers dugout, and strapped on his sliding mitt. On the next pitch, Astros reliever Bryan Abreu drilled Adolis García with a 99 mph fastball. García saw red. Benches cleared. Rivals beefed. Carter ran back along the first-base line toward home plate, a rookie wading into the fray to make peace, his left hand still covered by a brown sliding mitt designed to look like the Bible. (Nesbitt - Oct 30, 2023- The Athletic)

2023 Season: ROK/AA/AAA: .288/.413/.450, 108 G, 13 HR, 67 RBI, 79 R, 81 BB, 26 SB 

Very rarely does a prospect open the year at Double-A and finish it with a World Series title, but that's the improbable run that Carter made this season. Throw in a three-game rehab stint at the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League to really add to the unlikeliness of it all for good measure, and you've got a storybook season for the 21-year-old who made his debut in The Show on Sept. 8 and wasn't just part of Texas' championship run but a pivotal piece of it.

"There really isn't much that Carter can't do well, and he showed that on the biggest stage in the game," Bonifay said. "Above average outfielder in center and left, makes smart decisions throwing to the bases, one of our highest sprint speeds in the organization, can hit it to all fields, bunt, steal a bag. Just an elite athlete and player."  (Rob Terranova - Dec. 20, 2023)

Evan appeared in every game of a World Series playoff run and will still be considered a rookie in 2024. We’re still in awe over what Carter did in that postseason. He was 21 years old. He’d been in the big leagues for three weeks when this Octoberfest began. Then all he did was hit .306/.413/.645 for The Team that Won the World Series. Woah.

So what’s so Strange But True about that? Of the first 21 times Carter ever came to bat in a postseason game, he reached base in 13 of them. And did you know he has already been on base more times in the postseason (30) than Ken Griffey Jr. (29)? So, that Evan Carter October was as Strange But True as it gets. (Stark - Dec 29, 2023 - The Athletic)

In January, the 21-year-old outfielder found himself signing autographs at a Dallas-area baseball card show. He signed more than 400 items before signing for fans who paid as much as $125 for his signature.

He was readying for spring training in relative obscurity the same time a year ago.

“I feel a little bit spoiled,” he said.

He’s now a big league star, even with 62 regular-season at-bats and 60 more in the postseason. But he understands that the nature of baseball can make him feel like a Class A player if he doesn’t stay on top of things.

“No matter how good you’re doing, it’s got a funny way of showing you you’re not very good real quick,” Carter said. “I try to just have fun between the highs and lows and be able to stay as consistent as possible.” (Jeff Wilson - Baseball America - April 2024)

The Rangers' 2022 Minor League player of the year, Carter stands out most for his advanced approach at the plate, where he recognizes pitches and controls the strike zone well beyond his years and uses the entire field. He makes consistent contact with a clean left-handed swing, and his bat speed and the leverage in his lanky 6-foot-4 frame should lead to at least average power once he adds some needed strength and pulls pitches more frequently. He completes his offensive package with plus speed and the savvy to use it well on the bases. (BA - Spring 2023)

Carter has a 60 hit tool and is growing into 55 grade power.

“For me, I feel like I’ve controlled what I can control,” Carter said. “Regardless of the outcomes, I’ve been happy with my effort and preparation that I feel like I’ve done to be ready for the season. That’s all I can judge—things I can control—and I’m really happy with those.

"It’s been a good year as far as that goes.”

The Rangers see Carter as a potential five-tool player. He is already growing into his power, which is boosted by his outstanding strike-zone discipline.

“It makes you feel happy that the people who did trust their decision or stick their necks out for you and make that decision, you feel proud that you proved them right,” Carter said.

“I’m not out here trying to prove anybody wrong, (but) it definitely is rewarding that the people who did trust in that, I didn’t make them look stupid.” (Jeff Wilson - Baseball America - Oct. 2022)

Evan has all the ingredients to be an impact player at the top of a lineup. His knowledge of the strike zone is extraordinary for someone so young and with such little experience. These traits showed in his outstanding chase and in-zone miss rates of just 17% and 15%, respectively. Overall, he swung and missed just 22% of the time, a figure that places him among the best in the system. He also did an excellent job hitting balls with the ideal combination of exit velocity and launch angle.

Now, Carter needs to get stronger, and the Rangers believe his frame has plenty of room for extra muscle. Internal evaluators point to Carter's large hands and feet as reason to believe that the strength gains will come as he continues to grow into his body, though outside scouts are a little more skeptical based on his narrow frame. (Josh Norris - Baseball America Prospect Handbook - Spring, 2023)

Carter's advanced approach and knowledge of the strike zone will help him continue to thrive on his way to Arlington, but he also showed an understanding of what it takes off the field to be a success.

"You don't see too many 20-year-old kids have a routine like he does in the weight room and in the cage, knowing what he's trying to accomplish and having a plan," veteran outfielder Robbie Grossman said. "That's the most impressive thing for me, because that's one of the hardest things about being up here and staying up here as long as you can." (Jeff Wilson - BA - June 2023)

Though Evan was one of the youngest players in full-season ball and hadn't faced much pro-caliber competition in the past, Carter wowed scouts with his advanced approach at the plate. Before a stress fracture in his back ended his debut prematurely, he drew 34 walks in 32 games, recognizing pitches and managing the strike zone with aplomb while using the entire field. He has a lean 6-foot-4 frame but has enough bat speed and leverage to produce 20 or more homers on an annual basis once he adds some strength and turns on more pitches. (Spring 2022)

Evan does an excellent job commanding the strike zone and rarely chased pitches out of the zone. When he swung, he hit balls hard. His average exit velocity was just a hair above 91 mph, which is impressive for any player, but especially one so young. (Josh Norris - BA Prospect Handbook - Spring, 2022)

One of the youngest and most projectable players in the 2020 Draft, Carter didn't turn 18 until August and entered pro ball with 190 pounds on a lean 6-foot-4 frame. His loose left-handed swing features plenty of bat speed and leverage, and he impressed with his ability to control the strike zone during instructional league. He could hit for both average and power once he adds more muscle, which he began to do as a high school senior. (Spring 2021)

The Rangers see five-tool potential in Carter, who was only 17 when drafted. He already hits for power, determined by how well he commands the strike zone, and should only get stronger as he physically matures. Carter posted a .304/.467/.446 slash line at instructs and had as many walks as strikeouts. 

Evan has a short, direct swing and the disciplined hitting approach.

As a junior in 2019, Carter was named Super 22 Player of the Year and earned first-team all-state honors. He hit .324 with four home runs and 27 RBIs, while going 10-2 with a 1.34 ERA and six complete games on the mound. (Spring 2020)

2021 Season: Evan Carter, OF (No. 9)

Carter flew under the radar of many clubs in the 2020 Draft, but the Rangers saw five-tool potential and loved his makeup, so they selected him in the second round from a Tennessee high school. A stress fracture ended his pro debut after 32 games in Low-A, though that was still enough time for him to impress scouts with his patience (34 walks, .438 on-base percentage) and solid upside across the board. (Mayo, Callis & Dykstra - MLB.com - Jan 28, 2022)

2022 Ranger Prospect of the Year - Evan Carter, OF (No. 3, MLB No. 56)

Carter has gone from surprise second-rounder in 2020 to one of the best prospects in baseball, hitting .295/.397/.489 with 43 extra-base hits and 28 steals in 106 games between High-A and Double-A in his age-19 season. (J Callis, Dykstra, Mayo - MLB.com - Oct 6, 2022) 

During the 2024 season, he was swinging the bat at 71 mph. Thus far in the spring, Carter is up to 76.2 mph. His 5.2 mph increase is the second-highest behind only Brandon Drury, who has a difference of plus-5.4. (Kenneth Teape - March 11, 2025 - SI)

The Rangers see five-tool potential in Carter. He has above average speed, instincts, and the athletic ability to play center field where he already projects as above average, with a 60 grade. And he has a 50 grade arm.

Though the presence of Leody Taveras pushed Carter to left field in the big leagues, he has the instincts and long, gliding strides to allow him to play center field at a potentially Gold Glove level. He will be excellent in left—where his average arm fits best—as long as he stays there, but there will be more pressure to develop the power that comes with a corner-outfield job. (Norris - BAPH - Spring, 2024)

His instincts also are apparent on defense, where Carter uses his quickness and long strides to chase balls down with ease in center field. His arm strength grades as average to solid, so he's capable of manning all three outfield positions, but there's no reason he won't stick in center. The valedictorian of his high school class, he also earns praise for his intelligence and makeup. (BA - Spring 2023)

Defensively, Evan is athletic enough that he should be able to balance strength gains with the lithe athleticism needed to remain in center in the long term. He already plays an excellent center field, with range in all directions. Carter also blends plus speed with the instincts to swipe plenty of bags as he moves up the ladder. He stole 28 bases in 2022, but the total might have been higher if he hadn't played through a foot injury resulting from a foul ball at the plate. (Norris BAPH - Spring, 2023)

He not only possesses plus speed, but Carter also has the instincts to steal bases and chase down balls in center field. His arm strength grades as average to solid, so he's capable at all three outfield positions. The valedictorian of his high school class, he stands out with his intelligence and makeup in addition to his tools. (Spring 2022)

With solid to plus speed, Carter can steal some bases and cover ground in center field. His arm earns average to solid grades and would fit in either outfield corner as well.  (Spring 2021)

Evan utilizes his speed very well. He is a big guy, but a 60 grade runner.

July 2021: Carter was in Arizona to continue recovering from a hairline stress fracture in his lower back. By December, Evan was working out without any limitations.

August 27-September 4, 2022: Evan was on the IL.

May 28-Nov 4, 2024: Carter was placed on the IL because of lower back tightness. Carter missed seven games from May 11-17 with back soreness but returned without an IL stint initially. He missed time in the Minors with a stress fracture in his back in 2021, so the Rangers have been trying to be cautious with him.

June 4, 2024:  Rookie outfielder Evan Carter’s back injury is worse than expected. What they initially thought was lower back tightness for Carter when he landed on the injured list on May 28 is now classified as a stress reaction, according to Bochy. 

July 26, 2024: Carter was set to visit a specialist in California for a second opinion on his lower back soreness. 

July 30, 2024:  Rangers general manager Chris Young said that he's not optimistic about Carter's return this season.