The Chicago Cubs have bolstered their outfield depth by signing former top prospect Dylan Carlson to a minor league deal, adding a player with significant upside but recent performance struggles to compete for a backup role this spring.
In a move that prioritizes potential over pedigree, the Chicago Cubs have signed outfielder Dylan Carlson to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training. The 27-year-old is expected to compete for a backup outfield job, a role he could fill if he can rediscover the form that once made him a highly regarded prospect.
Carlson’s signing comes on the heels of a challenging 2025 season where he batted just .203 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 83 games for the Baltimore Orioles. A lack of consistent offensive production led to a diminished role, culminating in his departure from the organization after being traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to Tampa Bay mid-season. The Cubs are now taking a calculated gamble, signing him to a minor league pact to minimize financial risk while offering a fresh start.
For the Cubs, this move is about more than just adding a body to the 40-man roster. It’s a low-cost investment in a player with a proven track record of success at the highest level. Selected by the Cardinals in the first round of the 2016 amateur draft, Carlson was once considered a cornerstone of their future. He delivered on that promise for several seasons, hitting .239 with 34 homers and 161 RBIs in 447 games for St. Louis before his trade to the Rays in July 2024.
The fan reaction to this signing is likely to be mixed. Supporters will point to his age and past performance, hoping a change of scenery and a less pressurized environment in Chicago can help him recapture his All-Star potential. Skeptics, however, will view it as a typical “lotto ticket” signing, a move that fills a roster spot but does little to address the team’s glaring need for a middle-of-the-order bat. The signing inevitably fuels trade rumors, with many speculating that the Cubs are simply adding depth while they work on a bigger move to acquire a premier outfielder.
Ultimately, the success of this deal hinges on Carlson’s ability to perform in spring training. He will enter camp with a clear opportunity to win a job on the major league roster, competing against other internal options. If he can show improved plate discipline, better contact, and a return to his power-hitting form, this minor league deal could quickly become one of the offseason’s more valuable acquisitions for Chicago.
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