At the same time Chas McCormick’s deal was being reported, the Cubs actually had another probably-gonna-have-to-take-a-minor-league-deal-although-formerly-good outfielder at their facility in Arizona for a workout of some kind.
That’s Dylan Carlson:
Pre-Spring Training; 1-22-2026 Cubs Camp Outfielder #DylanCarslon showed up around 12:45pm, warmed up and took OF flyballs.@MiLB @cubprospects @realcubsinsider @Cubs @BleacherNation @brendan_cubs pic.twitter.com/QHABAQeKO0
— Ray R. Rardin II (@AZProspectWatch) January 22, 2026Dylan Carlson, 27, was at one time a top prospect with the Cardinals and emerging young talent. And then, much like McCormick, the offensive production suddenly evaporated and hasn’t come back.
(via FanGraphs)Carlson, a switch-hitter, has generally been better against lefties in his career, and can credibly play every outfield spot. He makes a ton of sense for the Cubs on a minor league deal, competing for a bench job – or at least he more clearly did before the McCormick signing. Now, Carlson would be competing not only with Kevin Alcantara and Justin Dean, who are on the 40-man roster, but also with McCormick. The Cubs wouldn’t be carrying both out of Spring Training absent a rash of injuries.
… then again, as Michael and I discussed on the BN Cubs Podcast, and he underscored when writing about McCormick, the need here for the Cubs isn’t just for a 4th outfielder or a righty bench bat to compete with Tyler Austin. There’s also simply a need for more available outfield depth in the even there are injuries. We knew the Cubs needed at least two such outfielders before the Dean waiver claim, and maybe McCormick is it. But it really wouldn’t be crazy for the Cubs to also bring on someone like Carlson on a minor league deal.
That’s all the more true when you consider, like I wrote this morning, that with guys like McCormick and Carlson, the play isn’t exclusively about trying to luck into a 4th outfielder. It’s also a bit of a reclamation project with a guy who at one time pretty clearly had big-league-caliber offensive talent, but who fell off for some reason. Carlson is still young enough to theoretically turn things back around, and you never know what might happen if you get him in your org at the right time.
So, then, I kinda hope the Carlson visit to the Cubs’ spring facilities was wholly irrespective of the McCormick signing. Now, from Carlson’s perspective, I have to believe this option got a little less attractive if he has others. When you sign a minor league deal like this, your number one question is: Do I have a good path to getting onto the big league roster? That path got a little tougher for Dylan Carlson yesterday, strictly speaking.
We’ll see if this goes anywhere, or if Carlson was simply working out for/with lots of teams this month and Ray just happened to snap pics at Cubs camp.
Hence then, the article about are the cubs looking at another reserve outfielder in free agent dylan carlson was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Are the Cubs Looking at Another Reserve Outfielder in Free Agent Dylan Carlson? )
Also on site :