Rangers Star Carter Undergoes Hip Surgery
The outfielder is expected to miss the start of the 2027 season due to a six month recovery period.
By Samir Patterson ·
Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter underwent right hip surgery last week and is not expected to be ready for the scheduled start of the 2027 season. The procedure addresses a labral issue and hip impingement that likely affected his performance throughout the previous year.
Chris Young, the team’s president of baseball operations, announced the news on Monday. Dr. William Robertson performed the arthroscopic procedure. Young stated that the injury probably impacted Carter during the season, noting that it is safe to say there was something wrong based on the extent of the surgery.
Carter played in 141 games last season and made all 112 of his defensive starts in center field. He finished with a .194 batting average, nine home runs, 40 runs batted in, and 17 stolen bases. The team initially believed the discomfort was muscular during his exit physical, but further diagnostic testing revealed the need for surgery after the soreness continued into the offseason.
The expected recovery time is approximately six months. Young said the Rangers anticipate Carter will play a majority of next season. However, a potential lockout when the five year labor contract expires on December 1 adds uncertainty to spring training and the March 24 season start.
Carter joined the major leagues in September 2023, making his debut 10 days after his 21st birthday. He contributed to the team’s only World Series championship that year, hitting .306 with five home runs in 23 games. He reached base in all 17 postseason games. Since then, injuries have limited his availability, including a lower back injury in 2024 and a season ending fractured right wrist in 2025.
In his 272 big league games, Carter has hit .215 with 24 home runs and 92 runs batted in. Young described the player as young with a bright career ahead, noting that doctors anticipate a full recovery. The offseason will focus on rehab rather than standard training.
The team has not decided how to cover the center field position without Carter. Ezequiel Duran, a Gold Glove winner for utility players, started 14 games there last season. Primary left fielder Wyatt Langford made 13 starts in center. Young said future moves could influence the decision.
The Rangers also made coaching changes. Alex Cintron will not return as full time assistant hitting coach but will remain in the organization’s hitting department. Assistant pitching coach Dave Bush will not return, and the team has no plans to fill that vacancy. The rest of manager Skip Schumaker’s staff is returning.
