On Monday afternoon, the Orioles added another player to their offseason free-agent acquisitions, though, like the others they’ve signed, he doesn’t exactly generate excitement for the upcoming season. The team surprised everyone by announcing that they’ve signed outfielder Dylan Carlson to a one-year deal for the 2025 season, with MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reporting a $975,000 guaranteed amount.
Carlson, a 26-year-old switch-hitter, has a fair amount of experience playing all three outfield positions in the majors. The former first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2016 had his stock rise to top-20 prospect status ahead of the 2021 season. At just 22, he posted a .266/.343/.437 line over 149 games in his rookie year and finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting with a 3.1 WAR season.
However, Carlson has struggled to replicate even that modest success. After his rookie season, his batting performance dipped below league average, and it only worsened in the following years. The Cardinals relegated him to a reduced role before trading him to the Rays midway through last season in exchange for former Orioles reliever Shawn Armstrong, who also had a disappointing 2024.
Carlson’s .515 OPS over 59 games with St. Louis last year is nothing to brag about, and his .615 OPS in 37 games with the Rays makes him look unfit for even a backup role, which is likely the role the Orioles envision for him. Mike Elias and the Orioles’ front office might believe Carlson is worth the risk of a roster spot, hoping he can contribute in a limited role even if his bat doesn’t bounce back.
Historically, Carlson has been much better against left-handed pitching, which makes him a likely candidate for bench duties. He could pinch-hit for Cedric Mullins or Colton Cowser in late innings against a lefty reliever, and potentially fill in for them in left or center field for an inning or two. Carlson could also give those two a rest against tough left-handed starters.
Alternatively, Carlson could end up as minor league depth. With three remaining options for the minors, he could start the season at Triple-A Norfolk, waiting for an opportunity if someone ahead of him gets injured or if he shows enough improvement to earn a spot on the MLB roster. Despite three consecutive winning seasons, the Orioles seem to still be in “reclaim a former top prospect” mode, much like they are with another fringe outfielder, Daz Cameron.
The Orioles already had a full 40-man roster when they signed Carlson, so they made a corresponding move by designating infielder Jacob Amaya for assignment. If you recognize the name “Jacob Amaya” and thought “MLB player,” give yourself a cookie. If you remembered he’s on the Orioles’ 40-man roster, treat yourself to another cookie.
