Evans was the finest defensive right fielder of his time, winning eight Gold Glove Awards (1976,1978-79 & 1981-85) despite playing in Fenway Park, one the toughest right fields in the majors. Also, his throwing arm was among the best in baseball during his prime. In the 1970s, Evans formed one of baseball's greatest outfields along with Jim Rice and Fred Lynn. In the 1980s, he joined forces with Rice and Tony Armas.

Evans started his career by winning International League MVP honors, but in his early major league career, he was primarily a defensive standout with a modest bat. In the second-half of his career, he became a powerful batter.

Despite the strike-shortened 1981 season, Evans had his best all-around year. He paced the league in total bases (215), OPS (.937), walks (85), times on base (208), and tied Eddie Murray, Tony Armas and Bobby Grich for the home run title with 22. He also ranked second in runs scored (84) and on-base percentage (.415), and third in slugging percentage (.522). He added a .296 batting average with 71 runs batted in. In 1987, at age 35, Evans recorded career highs in batting average (.305), HRs (34) and RBI (123). He spent his final season with the Orioles, batting .270 with six homers and 38 in 101 games.

Evans was named an Outfielder on the The Sporting News AL All-Star team in 1982, 1984 and 1987 and was also tabbed as an Outfielder on the AL Silver Slugger Team by The Sporting News in 1981 and 1987.

In his 20-year career, Evans batted .272, with 385 home runs, 1384 RBI, 1470 runs, 2446 hits, 483 doubles, 73 triples, and 78 stolen bases in 2606 games. Only Carl Yastrzemski (3308) played more games for the Red Sox than Evans (2505).

During his playing days with the Red Sox - and his one season with the Orioles - Evans wore uniform number 24.

In 2000, Dwight Evans was selected to the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame.