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Cubs release former Top-20 prospect, Rookie of the Year finalist
TL;DR
Dylan Carlson, a former Top-20 MLB prospect and Rookie of the Year finalist, was released by the Chicago Cubs after just three games. He had previously struggled to meet expectations since his promising start with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Key points
- Dylan Carlson was released from his minor league contract with the Cubs.
- He was a Top-20 MLB prospect in 2021 and a Rookie of the Year finalist.
- Carlson struggled to meet expectations after his initial success with the Cardinals.
Dylan CarlsonChicago CubsSt. Louis CardinalsTampa Bay Rays
Outfielder Dylan Carlson, who was designated for assignment after playing three games with the Chicago Cubs in April, was released from his minor league contract May 4 according to his official transactions log.
Carlson was a consensus Top-20 prospect in MLB in 2021 with the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished third in 2021 National League Rookie of the Year voting after hitting 18 home runs and slashing .266/.343/.437 in 149 games.
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Since then, Carlson has failed to live up to the hype. He was traded by the Cardinals to the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2024. He spent last season in the Baltimore Orioles organization, shuffling between the majors and Triple-A.
When Carlson signed a minor league contract with the Cubs in January, it gave him a pathway back to playing time in the same division where his career took off.
A promising spring training performance offered some hope Carlson could stick in the Cubs’ outfield. In 20 Grapefruit League games, he slashed .298/.421/.404 with one home run and five RBIs.
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Carlson’s strong performance allowed him to make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster, but he played sparingly thereafter. His only start came in the second game of a doubleheader; his other two appearances came off the bench.
Overall, Carlson went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts before he was designated for assignment April 10. Carlson played 10 more games with Triple-A Iowa, but his bat failed to come around. He went 7-for-40 (.175) with two home runs, six RBIs, and 10 strikeouts.
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Q&A
Why was Dylan Carlson released by the Chicago Cubs?
Dylan Carlson was released after being designated for assignment following only three games with the Cubs.
What were Dylan Carlson's achievements during his rookie season?
In his rookie season, Carlson finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, hitting 18 home runs with a .266 batting average.
Which teams has Dylan Carlson played for in his MLB career?
Dylan Carlson has played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and most recently, the Chicago Cubs.
