Rangers Kick Off Season with Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker, Evan Carter Heads to Minors

Exciting news from the Texas Rangers as they announce their opening day roster, featuring the dynamic duo of Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker. These two first-round draft picks are set to fill the final spots in the rotation, marking a significant moment for the team.

In a twist, Evan Carter, who dazzled fans with his late 2023 debut and played a crucial role in the Rangers' first World Series championship run, will begin the season in the minors with Triple-A Round Rock. After a challenging 2024 season plagued by injuries, Carter struggled this spring, hitting just .158 in 14 games.

Despite the setback, Carter remains optimistic. "I know I can help this team win. So take advantage of the opportunity to kind of have a stress-free environment to get back to what I know I can do," he shared after learning about the team's decision.

Rangers president of baseball operations, Chris Young, is confident that Carter will play a significant role this season. "He just needs some reps. He missed a lot of time, swing's not dialed in right now," Young explained. "I have full confidence he's going to get going here. And when he does, he's going to be right back here."

As for the young pitchers, Young expressed optimism about Leiter and Rocker, noting their impressive performances during spring training. "I think the talent on both is obvious, and they've earned the right to be out here," he stated.

Leiter, who was the second overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft, and Rocker, selected third overall by the Rangers a year later, are both rookies after making their big league debuts last season. Rocker made his debut following Tommy John surgery in 2023, adding to the excitement surrounding their opening day roster inclusion.

"At Vandy that last year, I don't think we ever could have imagined that this would be happening... Same team, same rotation, opening day roster. It's awesome," Leiter remarked, reflecting on their journey.

Rocker echoed his teammate's sentiments, saying, "Means everything. I think we've just gotten closer as friends, as teammates, and just doing it side by side. This being the first year is going to be something special."

Interestingly, Young noted that the reactions from Leiter and Rocker upon learning they made the team were "more reserved than I expected. I think mainly because they expect this of themselves."

Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Leiter, the son of former big leaguer Al Leiter, will pitch in the second game of the regular season against Boston, potentially following an opener. Rocker, whose father is the defensive line coach for the NFL's Tennessee Titans, is set to start the first road game on Monday against Cincinnati.

The Rangers had open rotation spots after right-hander Jon Gray suffered a broken wrist from a line drive during a spring training game on March 14. Additionally, left-hander Cody Bradford was sidelined due to elbow soreness. Both players will start the season on the injured list, while struggling pitcher Dane Dunning has been sent back to the minors.

In a recent move, free agent left-hander Patrick Corbin signed a one-year contract worth $1.1 million and threw a simulated game on Monday. Young indicated that Corbin is expected to head to the minors to make two starts while building up before joining the big league team around April 11.

Reflecting on his journey, Carter made a significant impact after his call-up in September 2023, hitting .306 with five homers and 12 RBIs in 23 games. He reached base in all 17 of the Rangers' postseason games, hitting .300 with an MLB postseason record of nine doubles and 10 walks.

Unfortunately, Carter's 2024 season was limited to just 45 games due to back issues, where he hit .188 with five homers and 15 RBIs. "I've proven to myself and everybody else that I can do it, and I did it on the highest stage," Carter stated. "So I know that it's in there, and I've just got to get right back to feeling confident."

As the Rangers gear up for the season, all eyes will be on the young talents of Leiter and Rocker, while fans eagerly await Carter's return to form.