Joe Pisapia urged managers to skip Evan Carter altogether. Carter slashed just .212 in AAA, owns a career .263 OPS versus left-handed pitching, and—according to Joe—“might be nothing but a platoon guy who can’t hit anyone.” With so many blind spots in his profile, Pisapia called bidding on Carter a waste of free-agent budget and recommended focusing on more well-rounded options such as Jordan Beck.

Chris Welsh viewed Evan Carter as the superior pickup to Outman. The Rangers DFA’d Leody Taveras, opening an everyday job, and Carter immediately logged two hits in his return, including one off a lefty. Statcast showed his average bat speed dropping from 71 mph last year to 67 mph in the first game back, a deliberate change designed to keep the barrel in the zone longer and emphasize contact over raw power. At just 34 % rostered on CBS, Welsh believes Carter’s combination of playing-time security, plate-skill growth, and Texas’ productive lineup makes him worth a moderate FAAB bid in five-outfielder formats.