Dylan Carlson's journey has taken an unexpected turn, and it's one that's bound to stir mixed emotions among St. Louis Cardinals fans.
After inking a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs over the winter, Carlson entered spring training with slim prospects of making the team. However, an injury to Seiya Suzuki opened the door, and Carlson seized the opportunity, earning a spot on the Opening Day roster.
Joining the Cubs adds Carlson to a list of players who've donned both the Cardinals and Cubs jerseys, a list that includes some notable names. This move is reminiscent of Cardinals legend Jim Edmonds, who also made the jump between these storied rivals.
The rivalry between the Cardinals and Cubs has seen its fair share of player exchanges. In recent years, the Cardinals have welcomed former Cubs like Jon Lester, Willson Contreras, and Dexter Fowler, all of whom were part of the Cubs' 2016 championship team. On the flip side, the Cubs have successfully brought in former Cardinals talent, turning Patrick Wisdom into a key player, signing Jason Heyward to a landmark contract, and helping John Lackey secure another championship ring.
Carlson’s situation draws parallels to Jim Edmonds, the 2006 champion who was a thorn in the Cubs' side before switching allegiances. While Edmonds boasted a .930 OPS against the Cubs, Carlson's .660 mark with the Cardinals was still a significant presence. Both players have shared the experience of contributing to Cardinals teams that consistently challenged the Cubs.
Much like Edmonds, who had a brief stint in San Diego between his NL Central tenures, Carlson is attempting to rebound from a challenging period. After a strong 2021-22 season with a 5.0 WAR, Carlson has struggled at the plate, posting a .609 OPS and bouncing around the AL East with the Rays and Orioles without making a significant impact.
This spring, however, Carlson has shown flashes of his former self. In 19 spring training games, he posted an impressive .304/.429/.413 slash line, translating to a 127 wRC+. While some metrics, like his .433 BABIP, suggest a bit of luck, and his 26.8% strikeout rate is concerning, he looked ready to contribute as a fourth outfielder.
With Seiya Suzuki and Tyler Austin sidelined at the start of the season, Carlson is poised to see significant playing time in right field for the Cubs. He'll likely share duties with Michael Conforto and Matt Shaw, but his ability to switch-hit might give him an edge in securing more playing time.
For Cardinals fans eager to see Carlson in his new Cubs uniform, patience will be key. The two teams are set to face off from May 29-31, when the Cubs visit St.
Louis. Until then, Carlson's performance in Chicago will be closely watched by fans on both sides of the rivalry.