How homegrown players have helped propel the Texas Rangers to the ALCS
Prior to the start of the Major League Baseball season, much of the attention of the Texas Rangers centered around the addition of the free agent signing of pitcher Jacob deGrom, the hiring of manager Bruce Bochy and how the veteran high-priced stars Marcus Semien and Corey Seager could help the Rangers snap the franchise-record of six straight losing seasons.
Not much was said of the franchise’s home grown talent.
Without that three, the Rangers would not have finished with a 90-72 record or have swept the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Wild Card series and the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Division Series.
The three will play a big part in the upcoming ALCS against the Houston Astros, beginning on Sunday night at Minute Maid Park (7:15 p.m, FOX).
Carter has the least experience in majors. He was called up in early September and has has fewer than 30 games of experience, but has shown a judiciousness at the plate that belies his years.
In the regular season, Carter had a .306 batting average with five home runs, 12 RBIs and 12 walks and in the postseason Carter has been even more impressive sporting a .429 batting average (which co-leads the Rangers), one home run, three RBIs and six walks.
Rangers General Manager Chris Young said Carter’s early success hasn’t surprised him.
“From the day I walked in, I’ve heard about Evan’s makeup,” said Young, “Is it surprising, given the personality and the maturity? No. I think when you have that level of maturity and the way he plays the game and the passion and work ethic, I think that he’s put himself in a great position to be successful.”
Coming into this season many had high hopes for Jung who struggled after tearing his left labrum during the 2022 off-season. Jung has been everything the Rangers could’ve hoped for. Jung is a leading candidate for AL Rookie of the Year and became the first Ranger to start the All-Star game as a rookie.
Jung has a .266 batting average with 20 home runs and 73 RBIs and like Carter has upped his play during the postseason. In the playoffs, Jung is averaging .400 with one home run and three RBIs.
Bochy praised the two rookies at a press conference ahead of game three of the ALDS.
“You have to be impressed with these two young kids [Jung and Carter], how they’re carrying themselves, handling the intense games that we’re playing in,” said Bochy, “I love their focus. They’re not afraid of anything... They want to be in the fire. You can see it.”
Leody Taveras isn’t a rookie like Carter or Jung but all three came through the Rangers’ system and are a part of what could be a historic playoff run for the Rangers.
Taveras knows there is more to accomplish but has appreciated the journey.
“For me, it’s a dream come true,” said Taveras, “You know, as soon I signed here, my mentality was make it to the big leagues, but the goal is to win a World Series.”
Taveras had a career year in his fourth season with career highs in batting average (.266), home runs (14), RBIs (67) and games started (138). In the postseason, Taveras has a .263 batting average with two RBIs and four runs scored.
Taveras’ improvement and ability to rebound impressed Seager.
“Had a really good year last year and then built on it, you know, that, that’s impressive to do. stayed within himself. You know, he had a little bit of struggles. I think it was in August, but stuck to what he knows makes him work and that’s a really hard thing to do when you’re struggling,” said Seager, “He’s been a catalyst for this team in September and going into the playoffs.”
Seager gave similar praise to Jung for everything he’s accomplished as a rookie.
He’s [Josh Jung] built a really good plan for himself and he doesn’t get off of it,” said Seager, “He knows who he is, he knows what he wants to accomplish and he goes out and does it.”
Heading into the ALCS the triumvirate of Taveras, Jung and Carter have accounted for three of the Rangers’ five highest batting averages in the postseason.
Free agent acquisitions such as Seager, Semien and Nathan Eovaldi have helped turn the Rangers into title contenders but the team has also had significant contributions from its homegrown talent.
