The Baltimore Orioles have announced their signing of outfielder Dylan Carlson to a one year deal worth $975K. Baltimore has designated Jacob Amaya in a corresponding move.
For lack of a better term, the Orioles have been money pinching this offseason, after coming off of two spectacular seasons where they unfortunately lost in the ALDS and AL Wild Card. Their only significant moves have been signing 41 year old Charlie Morton who’s coming off a 4.19 ERA season, Andrew Kittredge, Tyler O’Neill, and now Dylan Carlson.
While O’Niell and Kittredge are quality signings, it’s not what you expect from a team who’s supposed to go “all in” to contend.
Carlson’s Struggles
The former top prospect has slid down to the bottom of the barrel in terms of interest from teams. In 2024, with the Cardinals and the Rays, Carlson slashed a measly .209/.287/.277 for a 67 wRC+, well enough to be non tendered by Tampa Bay.
He seemed to have lived up to his high prospect status when put posted a 111 wRC+ in 2021, as a 22 year old. He followed that up with a slightly below average season (98 wRC+), and it has been downhill since.
Other than 2021 where he slugged 18 home runs, Carlson has not surpassed the 10 home run mark since, peaking at 8 in 2022. His on base and swing and miss have declined as well, as his 8.3 BB% was his lowest since 2021, while his 28.3 K% was the highest since his 35 game stint in the big leagues in 2020.
Carlson’s Potential
Due to his young age and former high rankings, there is still a possibility that Carlson returns to his 2021 form, or something closely resembling it. Barring an early season injury, Carlson is slotted to be the O’s fourth outfielder.
With Cedric Mullins, Colton Cowser, and newcomer Tyler O’Niell manning the outfield, Carlson’s expectations are rather low coming into the season.
However, if he really struggles and the Orioles would like to pivot to one of their homegrown talents like Heston Kjerstad, he can be sent down to AAA as he does have options.
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