The Chicago Cubs have signed outfielder Dylan Carlson to a minor league deal, offering him a chance to compete for a backup role in the upcoming season. This move comes as a surprise to many, as Carlson, aged 27, has had a somewhat inconsistent career so far. In 2025, he played for the Baltimore Orioles, batting a modest .203 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 83 games. However, his journey to the MLB has been an intriguing one.
Carlson was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2016 amateur draft, showing early promise. Over four seasons with the Cardinals, he accumulated a .239 batting average, 34 home runs, and 161 RBIs in 447 games. But his time with the Cardinals was cut short when he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2024. Despite his talent, Carlson's performance has been inconsistent, and he has yet to establish himself as a reliable player in the MLB.
The Cubs' decision to sign him to a minor league deal is an interesting strategy. It provides Carlson with an opportunity to prove his worth and potentially secure a spot on the big league roster. With spring training on the horizon, all eyes will be on Carlson as he competes for a spot in the Cubs' lineup. Will he rise to the challenge and secure a regular position, or will he return to the minors? Only time will tell.
This move also highlights the Cubs' willingness to take risks and invest in players with potential. It remains to be seen whether this decision will pay off, but it certainly adds an intriguing dynamic to the team's roster.
