The Rays non-tendered outfielder Dylan Carlson prior to the arbitration deadline as they felt that his price tag was too hefty for his inconsistency. Nevertheless, the former Rookie of the Year finalist had a few bright spots in a Rays uniform. He had a span of 14 games right after joining the club, where he hit .293 with nine RBIs.
Although the former St. Louis Cardinal has struggled in the last couple seasons, his first full campaign cannot be overlooked. In 2021, the California native hit .266 with 18 home runs for a Wild Card Cardinals club.
The Orioles have signed OF Dylan Carlson to a 1-year contract, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/y03Vnox64z
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 27, 2025
The Baltimore Orioles have signed Dylan Carlson to a one-year deal worth $975,000. Carlson is the fourth former Rays player that Baltimore has signed this offseason after agreeing to contracts with Charlie Morton, Rene Pinto, and Rays All-Star Andrew Kittredge. The Orioles front office is apparently fond of players that have worn the Tampa Bay jersey. This switch-hitting outfielder has only appeared in 37 games with the Rays, but the Orioles are clearly keeping to the theme of adding players from their division rival.
Dylan Carlson in 2024
— Cowboy Goatzarena (@cowboyaroza) August 18, 2024
With STL:
• 59 Games, 24 H, 0 HR, 11 RBI, .198 AVG, 46 OPS+
With TB:
• 14 Games, 12 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI, .293 AVG, 162 OPS+ pic.twitter.com/p7rl2vSEvN
These deals for familiar faces can only benefit the Rays in the 2025 season as Tampa coaching and players will possibly be able to exploit their known weaknesses. The Rays may not be as informed about the talents of Carlson, but where exactly will the 26-year old fit in the Orioles roster anyways?
The Orioles will likely roll into Opening Day with five outfielders as they currently have Cedric Mullins, Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad, newly acquired Tyler O'Neill, and now Dylan Carlson. I think most O's fans would agree that Carlson is the worst overall player of that talented outfield core, but the move brings them a low-risk, possibly high reward hitter to their lineup. Also, if injuries plague them in 2025, they will have some insurance depth that can fill in at the corner outfield spots.
If the Orioles are somehow able to revive the 2021 version of Dylan Carlson, then they will be considered geniuses and the loss of Anthony Santander will hurt much, much less. On the flip side, if Carlson is a bust in Baltimore, then their front office didn't lose very much in the process.