The Orioles’ signing of Dylan Carlson continues their cautious offseason approach, bringing in yet another player who generates little excitement for fans anticipating a more aggressive push toward contention. Carlson’s one-year, $975,000 deal gives Baltimore a 26-year-old switch-hitter capable of playing all three outfield positions, but his recent offensive struggles make him more of a gamble than a guarantee.
A former top prospect and 2021 NL Rookie of the Year finalist, Carlson’s career has been a steady decline since his promising debut. His rookie season slash line of .266/.343/.437 and 3.1 WAR earned him recognition, but subsequent seasons have been marked by underwhelming production. Last year, his combined .515 OPS with the Cardinals and .615 OPS with the Rays placed him firmly in “replacement-level” territory. His defensive versatility and ability to hit left-handed pitching could make him a useful bench option, but the Orioles’ decision to sign him reflects their preference for low-risk, high-upside reclamation projects over big-ticket moves.
Carlson’s three remaining minor league option years mean he could start the season at Triple-A Norfolk, where he would provide depth in case of injuries or a resurgence in form. However, the reality of Carlson rediscovering his 2021 performance feels like a long shot. His addition mirrors the acquisition of players like Daz Cameron, further underscoring Baltimore’s reliance on former prospects who have yet to deliver sustained MLB success.
To accommodate Carlson on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated infielder Jacob Amaya for assignment—a move unlikely to draw much reaction beyond the obligatory, “Wait, Jacob Amaya was on the roster?”
While the Orioles have enjoyed three straight winning seasons, moves like this signal a continued hesitancy to commit significant resources to push the team further. Carlson’s signing, like others this offseason, feels more like a depth play than a genuine effort to upgrade the roster. For fans hoping to see the team build on its recent success, this move may be yet another reminder of Baltimore’s cautious approach under Mike Elias.
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