Should Texas Rangers Lock Up Evan Carter, Josh Jung Long Term?
With the Texas Rangers locking up Adolis García for two more seasons, plus the previous signings with other arbitration-eligible players, the reigning World Series champions are on solid ground heading into spring training.
The Rangers agreed to terms last month on 2024 contracts with left-hander Brock Burke, catcher Jonah Heim, first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, outfielder Leody Taveras, and right-handers Dane Dunning, Jonathan Hernández and Josh Sborz.
Other than bringing back Jordan Montgomery, the club appears to be done shopping for now.
But what about the future? There’s been a recent run of extensions, including young superstar Bobby Witt Jr.’s $289 million deal with the Kansas City Royals and Jose Altuve’s $125 million over five seasons to finish his career with the Houston Astros.
The Rangers are in position to buy out some of the arbitration years for a couple of their young stars. MLB.com compiled such a list, and mentioned All-Star third baseman Josh Jung and rookie outfielder Evan Carter as prime candidates for early extensions.
Per MLB.com:
Carter and Jung played an integral role in Texas’ World Series run last fall, and while the Rangers have Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Jacob deGrom locked up at big salaries until at least 2028, extending either or both of their young hitters through their arbitration years (or beyond) would give the club some cost certainty going forward.
Carter, 21, is eligible for free agency after the 2029 season. Jung, 25, would hit the open market after 2028. Both are part of the long-term future of the Rangers, so getting some cost certainty, as well as keeping them in the fold, makes sense for a club that expects to compete for years to come.
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