Rangers CF Evan Carter Undergoes Hip Surgery; Expected to Miss Start of 2027 Season

Texas Rangers center fielder Evan Carter underwent surgery to address a labral issue and hip impingement, likely sidelining him for the start of the 2027 season.

Texas Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young announced Monday that primary center fielder Evan Carter underwent arthroscopic surgery last week. Dr. William Robertson performed the procedure to address a labral issue and hip impingement in Carter’s right hip. The recovery period is expected to last approximately six months, making it unlikely that the 24-year-old will be ready for the scheduled start of the 2027 season on March 24.

Carter appeared in 141 games last season, making 112 defensive starts in center field while playing through discomfort the team initially believed was muscular. He finished the year with a .194 batting average, nine home runs, 40 RBI, and 17 stolen bases. Over 272 career big league games, the outfielder has maintained a .215 average with 24 homers and 92 RBI. Injuries have limited him to 108 games over the previous two seasons, including a fractured right wrist and lower back issues.

To address the vacancy in center field, the Rangers may look to Ezequiel Duran, who started 14 games at the position last year, or Wyatt Langford, who made 13 starts there. Young indicated that potential offseason moves could also impact how the team covers the position. While Carter is expected to miss spring training, the organization anticipates he will return to play a majority of the 2027 schedule.

In additional staff moves, assistant hitting coach Alex Cintron is transitioning to a role within the full organization rather than the big league staff. Assistant pitching coach Dave Bush will not return to the team, and the Rangers do not plan to fill his specific vacancy. The remainder of manager Skip Schumaker’s coaching staff will return for the upcoming season.