Orioles sign Dylan Carlson to one-year deal

The Orioles weren’t finished with the position player side of their roster.

The club announced today that it signed outfielder Dylan Carlson to a one-year contract. It’s worth $975,000 with a $25,000 bonus if he reaches 200 plate appearances, according to an industry source.

Infielder Jacob Amaya was designated for assignment to create room for Carlson on a full 40-man roster.

Carlson, 26, is a switch-hitter and the 33^rd overall pick of the Cardinals in the 2016 draft. He split last season between St. Louis and Tampa Bay and batted .209/.287/.277 in 96 games.

This was a big drop from the 2021 season when Carlson finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting. He hit .266/.343/.437 with 31 doubles, four triples, 18 home runs and 65 RBIs in 149 games.

A steady decline has led to Carlson batting .237 with a .693 OPS in five seasons covering 484 games. Health is a factor, with Carlson battling hamstring, thumb, ankle and AC joint injuries. He underwent surgery on the ankle in 2023. He began last season on the injured list.

The Rays non-tendered Carlson, which put him on the free agent market. MLBTradeRumors.com projected his salary at $2.7 million.

Carlson has three minor league options and could be Triple-A depth with the Orioles stocked with outfielders, including projected starters Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins and Tyler O’Neill. They also have Heston Kjerstad, who should get a chance in spring training to accumulate regular at-bats, and Daz Cameron is on the 40-man roster.

The infield is more crowded with seven players possible for Opening Day, leaving room for only four outfielders.

Carlson can play all three outfield spots.

The New York Post’s Jon Heyman first reported the value of the contract.