The Chicago White Sox drafted Chris Carter in the 15th round of the 2005 MLB Draft. Carter produced in the minor leagues, in 2007 was traded twice in a span of 11 days. First to the Arizona Diamondbacks and then to the Oakland Athletics where he would spend the next five seasons. In six minor league seasons, Carter hit .283 with a .913 OPS and 182 home runs. He would debut with the A’s in 2010, but struggled and did not exceed rookie limits until 2012 when he hit 16 home runs in just 67 games.
In February of 2013, the Houston Astros sent Jed Lowrie and Fernando Rodriguez to the A’s for Brad Peacock and Carter.