Dylan Carlson – Baltimore Orioles Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Dylan Carlson has navigated a winding path in Major League Baseball, full of changes and fresh starts.

He kicked off his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, but now he’s landed a new home with the Baltimore Orioles.

In January 2025, Carlson signed a one-year contract with the Orioles for $975,000, though he actually started the season with their Triple-A affiliate, the Norfolk Tides.

At just 26, Carlson’s net worth sits at around $3.5 million, which is pretty impressive for someone who hasn’t spent that many years in the league.

His last contract with the Cardinals was $2.35 million, so you can see how a player’s value can swing up and down in baseball.

Carlson’s career really highlights how competitive pro baseball is—players have to keep proving themselves.

His move to Baltimore feels like a chance to hit the reset button and finally show off the tools that made him such a hot prospect with the Cardinals.

Early Life and Baseball Journey

Dylan Carlson’s journey to pro baseball started with a solid foundation early on.

He showed a natural knack for the game that eventually carried him to the majors.

High School and Amateur Career

Dylan James Carlson was born on October 23, 1998, in Elk Grove, California.

He started making a name for himself at Elk Grove High School, where his switch-hitting really stood out.

During high school, Carlson built a reputation for his patience at the plate and solid defense in the outfield.

Scouts and college recruiters noticed his instincts almost right away.

As a senior, he put up eye-popping numbers and quickly became one of California’s top high school prospects.

His swing from both sides and growing power made him appealing to teams that needed a versatile outfielder.

Becoming an MLB Prospect

The St. Louis Cardinals picked Carlson in the first round (33rd overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft.

The Cardinals clearly believed in his upside, even if some analysts scratched their heads at the pick.

Carlson signed and jumped right into his minor league career in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League.

He moved up the Cardinals’ farm system, improving as a hitter and outfielder with each step.

By 2019, Carlson had climbed the prospect rankings, getting attention for his play at Double-A Springfield and then Triple-A Memphis.

That year, he hit .292 with 26 home runs across both levels and grabbed the Cardinals’ Minor League Player of the Year award.

He showed patience at the plate, could hit from both sides, and handled multiple outfield spots—traits that made him an elite prospect ready for the big leagues.

Professional Career and Achievements

Since debuting with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2020, Dylan Carlson has carved out a spot for himself as a talented outfielder.

He’s had his share of highlights, injury setbacks, and now a new chapter with the Orioles.

MLB Debut and Rookie Season

Carlson made his MLB debut on August 15, 2020, in that weird, pandemic-shortened season.

He arrived with a lot of hype and, honestly, some pretty big expectations.

His rookie year started a bit rocky as he struggled to adjust to major league pitching.

After a short trip back to the alternate training site, Carlson returned with more confidence and better results.

He wrapped up the season with modest stats, but you could see flashes of what he might become—especially with his switch-hitting and defensive range.

The Cardinals included him on their postseason roster, giving him a taste of playoff baseball even though the team didn’t go far.

That experience helped set him up for a bigger role down the line.

Key Contributions and Outfield Performance

In 2021, Carlson became a regular in the Cardinals’ outfield rotation.

His defense really started to shine, with great routes and a strong arm from all three outfield spots.

At the plate, he’s shown he can hit from both sides, though his power numbers haven’t quite matched what he did in the minors.

His batting line shows decent on-base skills, which definitely helps the lineup.

Carlson played alongside other young outfielders like Tyler O’Neill, Lars Nootbaar, and later Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson.

With so much competition, the Cardinals kept shuffling the outfield to get the best offense.

Carlson’s versatility was a big help during the team’s 17-game winning streak in 2021, which pushed them into the Wild Card.

Teammates and Organizational Role

Carlson was part of a youth movement in St. Louis with Brendan Donovan, Tommy Edman, and Nolan Gorman.

This young core was supposed to be the future of the franchise as the Cardinals tried to stay competitive in the NL Central.

His ability to play multiple outfield spots gave the team more options when setting the lineup.

The Cardinals even tried him at second base during spring training, just to see if he could handle it.

Carlson’s switch-hitting let the manager get creative with matchups, especially in late innings against tough relievers.

In 2023, as the Cardinals struggled, Carlson’s role changed a lot.

By 2024, he had a new shot after signing a one-year, $975,000 contract with Baltimore.

Injuries and Time on the Injured List

Injuries have really thrown some wrenches into Carlson’s development.

He’s landed on the injured list several times with different issues, which interrupted his progress.

A left ankle sprain in 2022 sidelined him for weeks during a season that could’ve been his breakout.

A left oblique strain hurt even more, especially since it’s tough for a hitter who relies on rotation.

Then in 2023, thumb and neck injuries limited his time and made it tough to find his rhythm at the plate.

These injuries came just as competition for outfield spots heated up in St. Louis.

All these setbacks have made it tough to know exactly how high Carlson’s ceiling is.

When he’s healthy, you can see why he was a first-round pick—but staying healthy has been a real challenge.

Contract Details and Financial Overview

Dylan Carlson’s financial picture as a pro baseball player includes his current Orioles deal, his earnings so far, and his status in the trade market.

His contract shows both his potential and what he’s already done in the majors.

Current Contract and Salary

Carlson is playing under a one-year, $975,000 contract with the Orioles, and that’s fully guaranteed.

That’s a pretty big shift from what he made before, and different sources report slightly different numbers for his previous salaries.

Some sites estimate Carlson’s net worth at $3,512,675, which is solid for a player still on relatively modest MLB contracts.

The Orioles officially announced his signing in early 2023, bringing him into their system.

His salary puts him somewhere in the lower to middle range for MLB outfielders.

Contract Negotiations and Prospect Status

Carlson came into the league with a lot of prospect hype, and that shaped his early contracts.

As a top prospect, his value was more about potential than stats at first.

His current deal is a calculated move for both him and the Orioles.

For Baltimore, it’s a low-risk bet on a player who could break out.

For Carlson, it’s a shot to prove himself and maybe earn a bigger payday next time.

The one-year contract feels like a classic “prove it” deal under MLB’s rules.

It gives Carlson a chance to raise his value, while the team keeps its options open.

Trade Market and Acquisition Rumors

The Orioles picked up Carlson after his time with the Cardinals, where he was a notable trade chip because of his prospect status and early flashes.

His team-friendly contract makes him a valuable piece in potential trades.

Teams looking for outfield help without a big financial commitment might see Carlson as a good fit if the Orioles decide to move him.

His trade value goes up and down depending on his performance and what teams need.

As a young outfielder with MLB experience and room to grow, Carlson sits in an interesting spot—teams have to weigh what he is now against what he could become.

Net Worth and Off-Field Activities

Dylan Carlson has built up a solid financial base from baseball and has started exploring interests off the field.

His portfolio includes his MLB earnings, possible endorsements, and a few personal projects.

Estimated Net Worth and Earnings

Carlson’s net worth is currently estimated at $3.5 million, with most of that coming from his MLB career.

His salary has grown steadily, with his latest deal being a one-year, $975,000 contract with Baltimore.

Before that, he made $742,400 per year with the Cardinals.

This steady climb shows his rising value as he keeps developing as a player.

If he can turn his switch-hitting and defensive skills into more consistent playing time, his earnings should keep trending up.

Sponsorships, Advertising, and Media

Carlson hasn’t gone big on endorsements or advertising like some MLB stars.

He’s still building his marketing profile.

Most players at his level usually get equipment deals with sporting goods companies.

His social media isn’t as active as some, but it’s there as a platform for potential sponsors looking to reach baseball fans.

His appeal as a young, versatile outfielder makes him marketable to brands focused on the sports crowd.

Some players in similar spots make extra money from podcast appearances or YouTube, but Carlson has mostly kept things low-key outside of team events.

Charity Work and Public Presence

Off the field, Carlson keeps a pretty low profile.

His charity work lines up with what you’d expect from MLB players—mostly youth baseball and community projects.

He probably takes part in team-run charity events and foundation work, since both the Orioles and Cardinals have active outreach programs.

Most of his public appearances are tied to baseball events, like fan meetups and youth clinics.

These events help his brand and serve a good cause.

Down the road, Carlson might expand his charity work, following the lead of MLB veterans who ramp up their giving as their careers and finances grow.

Future Outlook and Legacy

Dylan Carlson faces a big moment in his career with the Orioles.

He’s got the tools, but now he needs to put it all together and find some consistency at the MLB level.

What he does in the next few years will shape his career and how fans remember him.

Potential Trades and Career Longevity

Carlson’s current one-year, $975,000 contract with Baltimore makes him a potential trade chip.

His ability to play all over the outfield and hit from both sides is valuable, but whether he sticks as a core player or gets moved will depend on his performance.

Some experts think Carlson could play another 8-10 years if he stays healthy and finds more consistency at the plate.

His defense is still solid, so he’s got a good foundation no matter where he ends up.

The $25,000 bonus if he reaches 200 plate appearances shows the Orioles want to see what he can do with steady playing time.

That kind of incentive might be just what he needs to lock down a regular spot in the lineup.

Retirement Considerations and Life After Baseball

You might think retirement planning sounds a bit early at this point in his career. Still, a lot of MLB players start weighing their post-baseball moves before they even hit 30.

Carlson’s already shown some real interest in youth baseball development. That could mean he’s eyeing a coaching gig when he finally hangs up his cleats.

He’s sitting on an estimated net worth of $3.5 million, so he’s got a good cushion for whatever comes next. Guys with his background often jump into broadcasting, coaching, or maybe something in player development.

Carlson’s even talked about getting into business outside of baseball. He seems to want to follow in the footsteps of those ex-players who turn their MLB connections into something fresh and successful.

Honestly, with the way he thinks about the game, you’d expect him to be just as careful and strategic about what comes after baseball.

Leadership and Impact on the Team

Carlson isn’t quite a veteran leader yet, but you can catch glimpses of mentorship in how he works with younger outfielders. Since he came up as a highly-touted prospect himself, he gets what it’s like to deal with all that pressure—and he actually shares that perspective with teammates facing the same thing.

Some teammates say his work ethic and preparation are honestly contagious. While he played for the Cardinals, Carlson even jumped into leadership training programs to help shape the next wave of clubhouse voices.

Carlson brings a switch-hitter’s view to the table, and coaches seem to appreciate that. Sometimes, he’ll chime in with pitching tips or strategic ideas during team meetings.

Who knows—if he wants, that kind of analytical mindset could lead him into coaching once his playing days are over.