The Sunday Read: How close is Rangers prospect Evan Carter to the major leagues?
(Texas Rangers/Ben Ludeman)
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Cut days aren’t fun for anyone.
One Rangers coach called himself the grim reaper Saturday as he looked for the next shoulder to tap and player to take into the manager’s office.
It can be uncomfortable for some in the clubhouse, even though most players sent to minor-league camp were likely to end up there anyhow.
That was the case for the most part as the Rangers moved 10 players down. Chief among them was outfielder Evan Carter.
He’s been rated as no lower than the Rangers’ No. 3 prospect by industry publications, and some have him No. 1.
He was never going to make the Rangers’ Opening Day roster in his first go-round in big-league spring training, even though he showed well and even though center fielder Leody Taveras might not be healthy for the season opener.
Carter is 20 years old and has six career regular-season games above A ball. He’s not ready for the major leagues.
But he might not be all that far away, and not just because Double A Frisco is a short drive from Globe Life Field.
I saw him in Low A ball. This during the time the pick was still being panned (Hello Dan O’Dowd!). Even though he was toothpick thin at the time, Carter clearly stood out in his approach and body discipline. There’s a quiet “presence” about him. I”m not shocked hes doing what he’s doing, pleasantly surprised that it’s coming together so quickly.