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Texas Rangers: Who Will Be the Team’s Designated Hitter in 2017?

By Greg Goldstein

Oct 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli (26) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning in game five of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli (26) hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning in game five of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Carter

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Carter is one of the better one-trick ponies in MLB. The only value he really has is his ability to hit the ball over the fence, and nothing highlighted his value as a player more than this past season.

A longtime Houston Astro, the 30-year-old designated hitter/first baseman was non-tendered by his former employer during last offseason. He signed on with the Milwaukee Brewers for one season to be their everyday first baseman.

We all knew that Carter had special power, but 2016 was special for the 30-year-old. He hit a career-high 41 homers in 160 games. This tied for sixth place in the majors, just six behind the leader, Mark Trumbo, who collected 47 bombs. This led to an above average slugging percentage of just under .500. However, this doesn’t mean that Carter doesn’t have significant downsides.

He struck out a ridiculous 206 times in 2016, which ranked second in the league behind only Chris Davis (216). Carter does also not bring much to the table offensively other than hitting home runs, and his defense at first base is below average, as he posted a -1.5 dWAR according to Baseball Reference.

This makes him a much better fit in the American League where he only has to worry about what he does at the plate. The Rangers could use some more power after losing Mitch Moreland and Ian Desmond this winter, who combined for 44 home runs last year. Carter could make up for this production all on his own and it wouldn’t require a major financial commitment.

He has some glaring negatives, but his power could represent a major contribution to a Rangers lineup that has many effective hitters already.

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