Cubs Sign Outfielder Just Four Days After Releasing Him
Carlson signed a minor league deal with the Cubs back in January, made the Opening Day roster after a strong spring in which he batted .304 with a .429 on-base percentage, played in two games, went 0-for-4, and then was designated for assignment when Seiya Suzuki returned from his IL stint.
He elected free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Iowa.
Then he re-signed with the Cubs on a new minor league deal anyway.
He suited up for Iowa shortly after the deal was completed.
Who Carlson Is and How He Got Here
The story of Carlson is one of the more frustrating in recent baseball history for the player involved.
He was a first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016, ranked as a top-10 overall prospect in baseball before his debut, and had a legitimate breakout in his first full big league season in 2021 when he posted a .266/.343/.437 slash line with 18 home runs and finished as a National League Rookie of the Year finalist.
The Cubs have signed outfielder Dylan Carlson to a minor league contract. Carlson was recently designated for assignment by the Cubs and opted to become a free agent.
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) April 18, 2026
He's landed back with the Cubs, was sent to the @IowaCubs where @jkempradio reports he's in today's lineup.
Since then, a series of injuries including shoulder, ankle, hamstring, thumb, and wrist problems have chipped away at what looked like a promising foundation.
He was traded from St. Louis to Tampa Bay in 2024, then spent last season with the Orioles, hitting just .203 with six home runs in 83 games.
His combined .210/.294/.314 slash line since the start of 2023 is not a number that inspires confidence.
He is 27 years old and out of options next season, which adds urgency to what he does with whatever opportunity presents itself.
Where He Fits in Chicago Now
Back at Triple-A Iowa, Carlson joins a Cubs outfield depth picture that is already crowded at the big league level.
Chicago has Suzuki back in right field, Pete Crow-Armstrong in center, and Ian Happ in left.
Michael Conforto and Scott Kingery are also in the mix for bench roles.
Former top prospect Kevin Alcantara and waiver pickup Justin Dean are both already on the 40-man roster, which could put them ahead of Carlson on the depth chart if an injury does open a spot.
Cubs Re-Sign Dylan Carlson To Minor League Deal https://t.co/NbvXHX8pyE
— Chicago Cubs Rumors (@mlbtrcubs) April 20, 2026
Craig Counsell mentioned after the original roster decision that Conforto was preferred over Carlson partly due to the lefty bat value on a right-handed heavy bench.
The fact that Carlson re-signed rather than waiting for another opportunity suggests he either values the Cubs' system or had no better offers materializing quickly.
At 27 with diminishing prospect shine and a .203 season in his most recent big league work, options are not abundant.
If he produces in Iowa and an injury opens the door, he will get another look.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
