Cubs seemingly re-sign former Cardinals top prospect after free agency stint

The Chicago Cubs have re-signed an outfielder after they had previously designated him for assignment. 

Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors reported Monday that switch-hitter Dylan Carlson has rejoined the NL Central club on a minor league contract.

In fact, Carlson played for Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, going 1-for-5 with two RBIs. The Cubs originally signed Carlson as outfield depth after Seiya Suzuki started the year on the injured list. 

The former St. Louis Cardinals top prospect went hitless in four trips to the plate in the Majors with Chicago before they cut him loose. Carlson elected free agency but is now back with the organization. 

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After spending parts of five seasons with the Cardinals, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired Carlson in a trade for right-hander Shawn Armstrong in 2024. He appeared in 83 games with the Baltimore Orioles last season and hit .203/.278/.336 with six homers and 20 RBIs. 

For now, Carlson will serve as outfield depth in case of an injury to one of Chicago's outfielders. We haven't seen the talent that made him one of the top prospects in baseball a half-decade ago, but he won't turn 28 until October. 

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