The Baltimore Orioles have announced the signing of outfielder Dylan Carlson to a one-year contract. Carlson will earn $975,000 with the potential for a $25,000 bonus if he reaches 200 plate appearances, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. He earned $2.35 million in arbitration a year ago. To make room for Carlson, infielder Jacob Amaya has been designated for assignment.
We have agreed to terms with OF Dylan Carlson on a one-year contract for the 2025 season.
Welcome to Birdland, Dylan! pic.twitter.com/PreoMVtbmp
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 27, 2025
Carlson, former top prospect, batted .209/.287/.288 with three home runs, 25 RBI and two stolen bases in 96 games between the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays in 2024.
Orioles Agree to Terms with Dylan Carlson
Carlson began the 2024 season on the 10-day injured list, recovering from an ACL joint sprain, before making his debut on May 5. Despite getting back on the field, he struggled with a .198 average in 121 at-bats. In a move before the trade deadline, Carlson was dealt to the Rays. Unfortunately, the change in scenery didn’t spark much improvement, as he posted a .219 batting average with a concerning 28.3% strikeout rate across 127 plate appearances. Ultimately, Carlson was non-tendered by the Rays and became a free agent in November.
A switch-hitter, Carlson has been far more successful against left-handed pitchers, slashing .286/.361/.431 in his career compared to just .219/.300/.355 against righties. At only 26 years old, he could provide valuable depth for the Orioles as a short-side platoon bat. Carlson will look to rebound in 2025 after a challenging 2024 season.
