Rangers Star Evan Carter Faces Six-Month Recovery After Hip Surgery

Evan Carter, the Texas Rangers primary center fielder, faces a recovery period of approximately six months following right hip surgery. The 24-year-old outfielder underwent an arthroscopic procedure last week to address a labral issue and hip impingement. Team president of baseball operations Chris Young announced the news on Monday, noting that Carter is not expected to be ready for the scheduled start of the 2027 season on March 24.

The surgical intervention was required after Carter’s hip discomfort persisted into the offseason. Young explained that during Carter’s exit physical, medical staff attributed his soreness to muscular issues. However, when the pain continued, the player underwent further diagnostic testing. Two specialists reviewed the results and recommended the surgery, which was performed by Dr. William Robertson.

Carter played 141 games for the Rangers this season, starting all 112 of his defensive assignments in center field. He batted .194 with nine home runs, 40 runs batted in, and 17 stolen bases. Young stated that the hip condition likely affected Carter throughout the year. The executive praised the player's ability to play through the pain, saying it was impressive given the extent of the internal issues discovered during the procedure.

The timing of the surgery coincides with a looming labor dispute. Baseball’s five-year labor contract expires on Dec. 1, which could trigger a lockout and create uncertainty regarding spring training schedules. Despite this, Young said the organization anticipates Carter will be available for a majority of the upcoming season. The team plans to focus the offseason on rehabilitation rather than standard training for the outfielder.

Carter has a history of injuries since his Major League debut. He played in only 108 games over the two seasons following his 2023 World Series championship year. He missed most of 2024 with a lower back injury and suffered three separate injuries in 2025, including a right quadriceps strain, back spasms, and a fractured right wrist. In 272 big league games, Carter has hit .215 with 24 home runs and 92 runs batted in.

The Rangers have not finalized a plan to cover center field without Carter for the start of the season. Ezequiel Duran, a Gold Glove winner for a utility player, started 14 games in the position last year. Primary left fielder Wyatt Langford also made 13 starts in center. Young indicated that the final decision on defensive coverage may depend on potential offseason acquisitions.

Coaching changes are also underway for the next season. Alex Cintron will step down as the full-time assistant hitting coach on the major league staff to work in the organization's hitting department. Dave Bush will not return as assistant pitching coach, and the team does not plan to fill that vacancy. The rest of manager Skip Schumaker’s staff will return for the 2027 season.