Dylan Carlson to Cubs?

[moose-and-squirrel]

I'd take him over Scott right now

[12xu]

He is the perfect example of how a team can completely destroy a promising young players career. They messed with his mechanics and his swing way too much, then the injury and he has never come close to his potential.

The Cardinals did not destroy Carlson's career. How do you explain Tampa and Baltimore's failure to fix him? He has never come close to his potential, but that is almost entirely his own fault.

Sure some of it his fault, but if a player isn't properly in his younger years it's extremely rare for them to magically turn it around in their later years.

Please explain how exactly the Cardinal org. messed with his mechanics and swing, and back this up with links.

oh yes sir I'll get right on your demands

No demands, but if you are going to make such accusations, it would be only fair to present some proof. I agree that the Cardinals made some mistakes handling Jordan Walker, but I do not think they did the same kind of mishandling of Dylan Carlson. If you or anyone else would like to show some proof of that, I would be happy to admit my ignorance of such information.

It seems some have forgotten the injuries and how the Cardinals handled them or didn't handle them.

Carlson opened the 2022 season as the club's starting right fielder. In late May, he was placed on the injured list with a hamstring injury.[34] He was activated in early June.[35] Carlson hit the final of a record-tying four consecutive home runs between teammates on July 2, 2022, the 11th such occurrence in major league history. At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez and Carlson all homered off Phillies starter Kyle Gibson with two outs in the first inning. It was the first time that the Cardinals had accomplished the feat, and the first time that it occurred in the first inning.[36] In early September, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a thumb sprain before being activated a little over a week later.[37] Over 432 at-bats in 128 games, he slashed .236/.316/.380 with eight home runs, 42 RBI, and 30 doubles.[38]

In 2023, Carlson played in 76 games for St. Louis, batting .219/.318/.333 with five home runs, 27 RBI, and three stolen bases.[39] On August 12, 2023, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain and left ankle injury.[40] On September 13, manager Oliver Marmol announced that Carlson would undergo season–ending surgery on his left ankle.[41]

2024

Carlson in 2024
Carlson led the team in Spring Training with three home runs and 13 RBIs, before a collision with right fielder Jordan Walker with both chasing a fly ball on March 25. Carlson suffered an injury to his left shoulder after falling hard on the warning track after the collision, also hurting his hip and ankle.[42] An MRI exam that night revealed damage to his left shoulder, putting him on the IL for a few weeks.[43] In 59 games for the Cardinals, he batted .198/.275/.240 with no home runs and 11 RBI.

Yes, Red, Carlson has had several injuries which were a big part of his problems. Obviously the Cardinals' org did not cause those injuries, nor make him play while he was hurt.

[Talkin' Baseball]

I'd take him over Scott right now

Seriously?

[12xu]

I'd take him over Scott right now

Not me. Scott is already a better defensive CF than Carlson ever was. Scott stole 34 bases out of 38 attempts in '25. Carlson has stolen only 16 bases in his entire 6 yr. MLB career. Scott may not ever hit many HR, but that is OK, as long as he improves his OBP.

[swatski]

I always thought that uppercut swing of his was the problem. Don’t know if that was his natural swing or Cards changed it.

[Strummer Jones]

Carlson has also never hit the ball particularly hard. Arenado didn't either, and we all know how that looks.

[ClassicO]

I'd take him over Scott right now

Not me. Scott is already a better defensive CF than Carlson ever was. Scott stole 34 bases out of 38 attempts in '25. Carlson has stolen only 16 bases in his entire 6 yr. MLB career. Scott may not ever hit many HR, but that is OK, as long as he improves his OBP.

Carlson is NOT a center fielder and he has no real power. Since his one good year in ‘21, he’s had 8,5,3 an 6 HRs. He’s lost most of his speed.

We all should have known when Melville repeatedly said he’d be a long term All Star that he’d be lousy.

[OldRed]

He is the perfect example of how a team can completely destroy a promising young players career. They messed with his mechanics and his swing way too much, then the injury and he has never come close to his potential.

The Cardinals did not destroy Carlson's career. How do you explain Tampa and Baltimore's failure to fix him? He has never come close to his potential, but that is almost entirely his own fault.

Sure some of it his fault, but if a player isn't properly in his younger years it's extremely rare for them to magically turn it around in their later years.

Please explain how exactly the Cardinal org. messed with his mechanics and swing, and back this up with links.

oh yes sir I'll get right on your demands

No demands, but if you are going to make such accusations, it would be only fair to present some proof. I agree that the Cardinals made some mistakes handling Jordan Walker, but I do not think they did the same kind of mishandling of Dylan Carlson. If you or anyone else would like to show some proof of that, I would be happy to admit my ignorance of such information.

It seems some have forgotten the injuries and how the Cardinals handled them or didn't handle them.

Carlson opened the 2022 season as the club's starting right fielder. In late May, he was placed on the injured list with a hamstring injury.[34] He was activated in early June.[35] Carlson hit the final of a record-tying four consecutive home runs between teammates on July 2, 2022, the 11th such occurrence in major league history. At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez and Carlson all homered off Phillies starter Kyle Gibson with two outs in the first inning. It was the first time that the Cardinals had accomplished the feat, and the first time that it occurred in the first inning.[36] In early September, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a thumb sprain before being activated a little over a week later.[37] Over 432 at-bats in 128 games, he slashed .236/.316/.380 with eight home runs, 42 RBI, and 30 doubles.[38]

In 2023, Carlson played in 76 games for St. Louis, batting .219/.318/.333 with five home runs, 27 RBI, and three stolen bases.[39] On August 12, 2023, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain and left ankle injury.[40] On September 13, manager Oliver Marmol announced that Carlson would undergo season–ending surgery on his left ankle.[41]

2024

Carlson in 2024
Carlson led the team in Spring Training with three home runs and 13 RBIs, before a collision with right fielder Jordan Walker with both chasing a fly ball on March 25. Carlson suffered an injury to his left shoulder after falling hard on the warning track after the collision, also hurting his hip and ankle.[42] An MRI exam that night revealed damage to his left shoulder, putting him on the IL for a few weeks.[43] In 59 games for the Cardinals, he batted .198/.275/.240 with no home runs and 11 RBI.

Yes, Red, Carlson has had several injuries which were a big part of his problems. Obviously the Cardinals' org did not cause those injuries, nor make him play while he was hurt.

How soon you have forgotten. Yes, he played thru the injuries, and they wanted to wait on the repairs to those injuries.

[12xu]

He is the perfect example of how a team can completely destroy a promising young players career. They messed with his mechanics and his swing way too much, then the injury and he has never come close to his potential.

The Cardinals did not destroy Carlson's career. How do you explain Tampa and Baltimore's failure to fix him? He has never come close to his potential, but that is almost entirely his own fault.

Sure some of it his fault, but if a player isn't properly in his younger years it's extremely rare for them to magically turn it around in their later years.

Please explain how exactly the Cardinal org. messed with his mechanics and swing, and back this up with links.

oh yes sir I'll get right on your demands

No demands, but if you are going to make such accusations, it would be only fair to present some proof. I agree that the Cardinals made some mistakes handling Jordan Walker, but I do not think they did the same kind of mishandling of Dylan Carlson. If you or anyone else would like to show some proof of that, I would be happy to admit my ignorance of such information.

It seems some have forgotten the injuries and how the Cardinals handled them or didn't handle them.

Carlson opened the 2022 season as the club's starting right fielder. In late May, he was placed on the injured list with a hamstring injury.[34] He was activated in early June.[35] Carlson hit the final of a record-tying four consecutive home runs between teammates on July 2, 2022, the 11th such occurrence in major league history. At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez and Carlson all homered off Phillies starter Kyle Gibson with two outs in the first inning. It was the first time that the Cardinals had accomplished the feat, and the first time that it occurred in the first inning.[36] In early September, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a thumb sprain before being activated a little over a week later.[37] Over 432 at-bats in 128 games, he slashed .236/.316/.380 with eight home runs, 42 RBI, and 30 doubles.[38]

In 2023, Carlson played in 76 games for St. Louis, batting .219/.318/.333 with five home runs, 27 RBI, and three stolen bases.[39] On August 12, 2023, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain and left ankle injury.[40] On September 13, manager Oliver Marmol announced that Carlson would undergo season–ending surgery on his left ankle.[41]

2024

Carlson in 2024
Carlson led the team in Spring Training with three home runs and 13 RBIs, before a collision with right fielder Jordan Walker with both chasing a fly ball on March 25. Carlson suffered an injury to his left shoulder after falling hard on the warning track after the collision, also hurting his hip and ankle.[42] An MRI exam that night revealed damage to his left shoulder, putting him on the IL for a few weeks.[43] In 59 games for the Cardinals, he batted .198/.275/.240 with no home runs and 11 RBI.

Yes, Red, Carlson has had several injuries which were a big part of his problems. Obviously the Cardinals' org did not cause those injuries, nor make him play while he was hurt.

How soon you have forgotten. Yes, he played thru the injuries, and they wanted to wait on the repairs to those injuries.

I have not forgotten these things, but the Cards did not force him to play when he was unable.

[OldRed]

He is the perfect example of how a team can completely destroy a promising young players career. They messed with his mechanics and his swing way too much, then the injury and he has never come close to his potential.

The Cardinals did not destroy Carlson's career. How do you explain Tampa and Baltimore's failure to fix him? He has never come close to his potential, but that is almost entirely his own fault.

Sure some of it his fault, but if a player isn't properly in his younger years it's extremely rare for them to magically turn it around in their later years.

Please explain how exactly the Cardinal org. messed with his mechanics and swing, and back this up with links.

oh yes sir I'll get right on your demands

No demands, but if you are going to make such accusations, it would be only fair to present some proof. I agree that the Cardinals made some mistakes handling Jordan Walker, but I do not think they did the same kind of mishandling of Dylan Carlson. If you or anyone else would like to show some proof of that, I would be happy to admit my ignorance of such information.

It seems some have forgotten the injuries and how the Cardinals handled them or didn't handle them.

Carlson opened the 2022 season as the club's starting right fielder. In late May, he was placed on the injured list with a hamstring injury.[34] He was activated in early June.[35] Carlson hit the final of a record-tying four consecutive home runs between teammates on July 2, 2022, the 11th such occurrence in major league history. At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez and Carlson all homered off Phillies starter Kyle Gibson with two outs in the first inning. It was the first time that the Cardinals had accomplished the feat, and the first time that it occurred in the first inning.[36] In early September, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a thumb sprain before being activated a little over a week later.[37] Over 432 at-bats in 128 games, he slashed .236/.316/.380 with eight home runs, 42 RBI, and 30 doubles.[38]

In 2023, Carlson played in 76 games for St. Louis, batting .219/.318/.333 with five home runs, 27 RBI, and three stolen bases.[39] On August 12, 2023, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain and left ankle injury.[40] On September 13, manager Oliver Marmol announced that Carlson would undergo season–ending surgery on his left ankle.[41]

2024

Carlson in 2024
Carlson led the team in Spring Training with three home runs and 13 RBIs, before a collision with right fielder Jordan Walker with both chasing a fly ball on March 25. Carlson suffered an injury to his left shoulder after falling hard on the warning track after the collision, also hurting his hip and ankle.[42] An MRI exam that night revealed damage to his left shoulder, putting him on the IL for a few weeks.[43] In 59 games for the Cardinals, he batted .198/.275/.240 with no home runs and 11 RBI.

Yes, Red, Carlson has had several injuries which were a big part of his problems. Obviously the Cardinals' org did not cause those injuries, nor make him play while he was hurt.

How soon you have forgotten. Yes, he played thru the injuries, and they wanted to wait on the repairs to those injuries.

I have not forgotten these things, but the Cards did not force him to play when he was unable.

I never said that. They misdiagnosed the injuries and he tried playing thru them. Why the hate for this young player. Without injuries he may have really had a good career.

[zuck698]

He is the perfect example of how a team can completely destroy a promising young players career. They messed with his mechanics and his swing way too much, then the injury and he has never come close to his potential.

The Cardinals did not destroy Carlson's career. How do you explain Tampa and Baltimore's failure to fix him? He has never come close to his potential, but that is almost entirely his own fault.

Sure some of it his fault, but if a player isn't properly in his younger years it's extremely rare for them to magically turn it around in their later years.

Please explain how exactly the Cardinal org. messed with his mechanics and swing, and back this up with links.

oh yes sir I'll get right on your demands

No demands, but if you are going to make such accusations, it would be only fair to present some proof. I agree that the Cardinals made some mistakes handling Jordan Walker, but I do not think they did the same kind of mishandling of Dylan Carlson. If you or anyone else would like to show some proof of that, I would be happy to admit my ignorance of such information.

It seems some have forgotten the injuries and how the Cardinals handled them or didn't handle them.

Carlson opened the 2022 season as the club's starting right fielder. In late May, he was placed on the injured list with a hamstring injury.[34] He was activated in early June.[35] Carlson hit the final of a record-tying four consecutive home runs between teammates on July 2, 2022, the 11th such occurrence in major league history. At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez and Carlson all homered off Phillies starter Kyle Gibson with two outs in the first inning. It was the first time that the Cardinals had accomplished the feat, and the first time that it occurred in the first inning.[36] In early September, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a thumb sprain before being activated a little over a week later.[37] Over 432 at-bats in 128 games, he slashed .236/.316/.380 with eight home runs, 42 RBI, and 30 doubles.[38]

In 2023, Carlson played in 76 games for St. Louis, batting .219/.318/.333 with five home runs, 27 RBI, and three stolen bases.[39] On August 12, 2023, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain and left ankle injury.[40] On September 13, manager Oliver Marmol announced that Carlson would undergo season–ending surgery on his left ankle.[41]

2024

Carlson in 2024
Carlson led the team in Spring Training with three home runs and 13 RBIs, before a collision with right fielder Jordan Walker with both chasing a fly ball on March 25. Carlson suffered an injury to his left shoulder after falling hard on the warning track after the collision, also hurting his hip and ankle.[42] An MRI exam that night revealed damage to his left shoulder, putting him on the IL for a few weeks.[43] In 59 games for the Cardinals, he batted .198/.275/.240 with no home runs and 11 RBI.

There were injuries but he might not have actually been that good. He couldn't hit righties which was a big limitation to his game. So he was ultimately a weak-side platoon piece. His breakout minor league season came during the 2019 Juice Ball season and that was really the only time he showed great results during his entire professional career. The idea of a good hitting switch-hitting CF would have been great if he could actually hit righthanders.

This! He had no problem with the switch but major issues with the hit.

[12xu]

He is the perfect example of how a team can completely destroy a promising young players career. They messed with his mechanics and his swing way too much, then the injury and he has never come close to his potential.

The Cardinals did not destroy Carlson's career. How do you explain Tampa and Baltimore's failure to fix him? He has never come close to his potential, but that is almost entirely his own fault.

Sure some of it his fault, but if a player isn't properly in his younger years it's extremely rare for them to magically turn it around in their later years.

Please explain how exactly the Cardinal org. messed with his mechanics and swing, and back this up with links.

oh yes sir I'll get right on your demands

No demands, but if you are going to make such accusations, it would be only fair to present some proof. I agree that the Cardinals made some mistakes handling Jordan Walker, but I do not think they did the same kind of mishandling of Dylan Carlson. If you or anyone else would like to show some proof of that, I would be happy to admit my ignorance of such information.

It seems some have forgotten the injuries and how the Cardinals handled them or didn't handle them.

Carlson opened the 2022 season as the club's starting right fielder. In late May, he was placed on the injured list with a hamstring injury.[34] He was activated in early June.[35] Carlson hit the final of a record-tying four consecutive home runs between teammates on July 2, 2022, the 11th such occurrence in major league history. At Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez and Carlson all homered off Phillies starter Kyle Gibson with two outs in the first inning. It was the first time that the Cardinals had accomplished the feat, and the first time that it occurred in the first inning.[36] In early September, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a thumb sprain before being activated a little over a week later.[37] Over 432 at-bats in 128 games, he slashed .236/.316/.380 with eight home runs, 42 RBI, and 30 doubles.[38]

In 2023, Carlson played in 76 games for St. Louis, batting .219/.318/.333 with five home runs, 27 RBI, and three stolen bases.[39] On August 12, 2023, Carlson was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain and left ankle injury.[40] On September 13, manager Oliver Marmol announced that Carlson would undergo season–ending surgery on his left ankle.[41]

2024

Carlson in 2024
Carlson led the team in Spring Training with three home runs and 13 RBIs, before a collision with right fielder Jordan Walker with both chasing a fly ball on March 25. Carlson suffered an injury to his left shoulder after falling hard on the warning track after the collision, also hurting his hip and ankle.[42] An MRI exam that night revealed damage to his left shoulder, putting him on the IL for a few weeks.[43] In 59 games for the Cardinals, he batted .198/.275/.240 with no home runs and 11 RBI.

Yes, Red, Carlson has had several injuries which were a big part of his problems. Obviously the Cardinals' org did not cause those injuries, nor make him play while he was hurt.

How soon you have forgotten. Yes, he played thru the injuries, and they wanted to wait on the repairs to those injuries.

I have not forgotten these things, but the Cards did not force him to play when he was unable.

I never said that. They misdiagnosed the injuries and he tried playing thru them. Why the hate for this young player. Without injuries he may have really had a good career.

I don't have any hate for Dylan Carlson. I was very high on his potential after his fine '21 season. I kept hoping he would emerge as an outstanding player for the Cardinals, but it did not happen. He may have had a much better career so far without the injuries. He may get a chance to prove his worth as a back up OF for the cubs. Lots of guys have revived their offensive performance at the "friendly confines".

[opti mist]

Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Elk Grove High School in California.
Quickly rose through the minors as one of baseball's top prospects, reaching as high as a top-20 ranking (e.g., No. 16 on some lists).
In the minors, he showed strong all-around skills, including power and speed—highlighted by being one of just 10 minor leaguers with 20+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases in a season (2019 with Double-A Springfield).

Made his MLB debut with the Cardinals on August 15, 2020, hitting his first career home run shortly after on August 23.

MLB Breakthrough and Highlights Became a regular in 2021, starting in center field (and later right field) for St. Louis.
Enjoyed his best season in 2021: .266/.343/.437 slash line over 149 games, with 18 home runs, 65 RBIs, 31 doubles, and solid plate discipline.
Hit his first career grand slam on April 7, 2021, against the Miami Marlins.

Finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting that year and earned spots on All-Rookie teams (Baseball America, Baseball Digest, Topps).

Other notable feats include an 11-game hitting streak (carried over from late 2021 into 2022), strong walk streaks (e.g., eight straight games with a walk in 2022), and defensive contributions (e.g., top-5 among center fielders in outfield assists in some seasons).
Career MLB stats (through 2025): .233/.312/.372 batting line, 43 home runs, 409 hits, and positive WAR in earlier years (around 3.7 career fWAR).

[RichieRichSTL]

He is the perfect example of how a team can completely destroy a promising young players career. They messed with his mechanics and his swing way too much, then the injury and he has never come close to his potential.

The Cardinals did not destroy Carlson's career. How do you explain Tampa and Baltimore's failure to fix him? He has never come close to his potential, but that is almost entirely his own fault.

Sure some of it his fault, but if a player isn't properly in his younger years it's extremely rare for them to magically turn it around in their later years.

Exactly. If you have a poor foundation, it's harder to correct.