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Texas Rangers Rookie Evan Carter Opens Postseason Career on Historic Tear

Originally posted on FanNation Fastball | By Sam Connon | Last updated 10/4/23

Evan Carter has left quite the mark on his first-ever playoff series.

The Texas Rangers rookie has played a major role in the AL Wild Card Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, starting in left field and batting ninth in both games thus far. Carter did far more than just start, though.

Carter went 2-for-2 with two doubles and two walks in the Rangers' Game 1 victory on Tuesday, and he stayed hot in Game 2 on Wednesday. After drawing a walk in the third inning, the left-handed slugger crushed a two-run home run in the fourth.

While Carter struck out swinging in the sixth, he had already made history in a number of ways.

Carter made it aboard in each of his first six career playoff plate appearances. According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, that is the second-longest streak to open a postseason career in league history.

Only Jorge Soler had a longer streak, getting on base in nine straight plate appearances with the Chicago Cubs in the 2015 NLDS. Soler was 23 years old at the time, while Carter just turned 21.

Carter's young age helped him set another record as well. Per Langs, Carter is now the youngest Rangers player ever to hit a home run in the postseason.

The outfielder also became the second Rangers rookie to homer in the playoffs. First baseman Mitch Moreland was the only one in the exclusive club prior to Carter's arrival, as he hit a home run in Game 3 of the 2010 World Series.

Carter is ranked as the No. 1 prospect in Texas' farm system and the No. 8 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. He was called up to the majors on Sept. 7, and he made his big league debut the next day.

In just 23 games, Carter hit .306 with five home runs, 12 RBI, a 1.058 OPS and a 1.6 WAR to help the Rangers clinch an AL Wild Card spot.

Carter has somehow been even more productive at the plate in the playoffs. As it stands, the rookie is batting .750 with a 2.875 OPS in the AL Wild Card Series.

This article first appeared on FanNation Fastball and was syndicated with permission.

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