The Philadelphia Phillies have made another move aimed at strengthening their roster depth, signing former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson to a minor league contract. The 27-year-old will report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he will attempt to rebuild his value and potentially work his way back to the major league roster later this season.
Philadelphia’s decision comes at a time when the organization has been searching for additional help in the outfield. Injuries, inconsistent production, and limited depth options throughout the system have created concerns for the club as it attempts to remain competitive during the long MLB season. Adding Carlson gives the Phillies another experienced player capable of filling multiple roles if needed.
Carlson entered professional baseball with high expectations after emerging as one of the top prospects in the Cardinals’ organization several years ago. Known for his athleticism, defensive versatility, and switch-hitting ability, he was once viewed as a key piece of St. Louis’ future. His breakout campaign came during the 2021 season when he delivered the best offensive numbers of his career, batting .266 with a .780 OPS while also providing solid defense across all three outfield positions.
That season helped Carlson finish third in National League Rookie of the Year voting and appeared to establish him as one of the more promising young outfielders in baseball. However, his development slowed over the following years as injuries and inconsistent offensive performances prevented him from building on that success.
After leaving St. Louis, Carlson eventually joined the Chicago Cubs organization in hopes of earning another opportunity at the major league level. While he did appear in a few games for Chicago this season, his production in Triple-A Iowa was limited. Across 10 games, Carlson hit just .175 with a .600 OPS before the Cubs released him earlier this month.
Even with those struggles, the Phillies clearly believe Carlson is worth taking a chance on. Because the deal is a minor league contract, the move carries very little financial risk for Philadelphia. If Carlson rediscovers the form that once made him one of baseball’s most highly regarded prospects, the Phillies could end up finding a valuable contributor without giving up significant assets.
One of the biggest reasons Carlson remains intriguing is his defensive flexibility. He has experience playing left field, center field, and right field at the major league level, giving managers several different ways to use him. Teams often value players who can move around the outfield because injuries and matchup situations frequently force clubs to shuffle lineups throughout the season.
For Philadelphia, that flexibility could become especially important over the next few months. The Phillies’ current outfield alignment has featured Brandon Marsh, Justin Crawford, and Adolis García in prominent roles. While each player brings strengths to the lineup, the organization has lacked proven depth behind that group.
The Phillies have also experimented with other players in corner outfield spots, including Felix Reyes. Although Reyes has shown some versatility, he is not considered a natural outfielder, and his offensive production has struggled early in the season. That reality increased the urgency for Philadelphia to add another player capable of providing legitimate outfield depth.
Carlson’s switch-hitting profile could also make him attractive if he earns a call-up later in the year. Players who can bat from both sides of the plate give managers additional flexibility against opposing pitchers and can help balance a lineup during difficult stretches of the schedule. Even if Carlson is not expected to become an everyday starter immediately, his ability to contribute in multiple situations could make him valuable.
Another factor working in Carlson’s favor is his age. At 27 years old, he is still young enough to potentially revive his career with the right opportunity. Many players have experienced difficult stretches before eventually rediscovering their confidence and consistency after joining a new organization. The Phillies may believe a change of scenery, combined with regular playing time in Triple-A, could help Carlson regain some of the rhythm that once made him such an exciting prospect.
Philadelphia also understands the importance of preparing for a long season. Contending teams rarely make it through an entire year without needing reinforcements from the minor leagues. Injuries, slumps, and roster changes can quickly create unexpected openings, particularly in the outfield where defensive demands are high and everyday wear can take a toll on players.
Because of that, organizations often prioritize experienced depth pieces who can step into major league action when necessary. Carlson fits that description well. He has already played in meaningful MLB games, understands the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level, and still possesses enough upside to potentially contribute if things come together.
The Phillies also have other depth options available, including Otto Kemp and Steward Berroa, but Carlson’s previous success in the majors may give him an advantage if the team needs immediate help later in the season. His experience and defensive reliability could make him one of the first players considered for a promotion if injuries occur or offensive struggles continue.
At this stage, expectations surrounding Carlson will likely remain modest. The Phillies are not necessarily counting on him to become a star or dramatically change their season overnight. Instead, the organization appears focused on improving roster depth while giving a talented former prospect another opportunity to revive his career.
Sometimes these types of low-risk moves end quietly without much impact. Other times, they become important additions for teams hoping to compete deep into the season. Philadelphia is betting that Carlson’s talent, versatility, and experience are worth the opportunity.
For now, Carlson’s immediate focus will be on performing well at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and proving he still belongs in the major leagues. If he can regain confidence at the plate and produce consistently, there is a realistic path for him to eventually contribute to the Phillies later this year.
As the season continues, Philadelphia will closely monitor Carlson’s progress. With outfield depth remaining an important concern, the former Cardinals prospect could end up becoming a surprisingly important piece for the Phillies if he successfully turns his career around in a new environment.
