Height
6'1"
Weight
200 lbs
Age
27
College
N/A
Draft
2016, Rd 1, #33
Experience
6 yrs
Bats/Throws
B/L
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsF
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 569 | 0.23304844 | 43 | 195 | 0.68369526 | 16 | 409 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$2.0M
Guaranteed
$1.2M
AAV
$2.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Cubs landed solid value in acquiring Dylan Carlson on a one-year, $2M deal that earns a B CVI. At 25, Carlson represents a smart reclamation project for a team still defining its competitive window — he's shown flashes of above-average production when healthy, including a 2.1 WAR campaign in 2021, but injuries and inconsistency have limited his ceiling. The modest financial commitment gives Chicago flexibility while providing legitimate upside at a position where they needed depth behind their established starters. Carlson's combination of defensive versatility and occasional pop makes him a worthwhile gamble at this price point, especially for a Cubs organization that can afford to be patient with development. While he projects as more of a fourth outfielder than an everyday starter, the contract structure protects the Cubs from significant downside risk while maintaining the possibility he rediscovers his earlier promise. This is exactly the type of low-risk, medium-reward signing that contending teams should be making on the margins.
Performance Analysis
Dylan Carlson grades as an above average performer among MLB left fielders, earning a B Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.233 batting average and a 0.684 OPS (below the league average of .720) this season. With 43 home runs and 195 RBI through 569 games (a 12-HR, 56-RBI pace over a full season), he brings limited power to the lineup. Dylan also contributes 16 stolen bases, adding a baserunning element to his profile. As a player entering his prime window at 27, Dylan is a key contributor for the Cubs. A 569-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 4/6 | @ TB | L 4-6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sun, 4/5 | @ CLE | L 5-6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Transaction History
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