Orioles Sign Outfielder Dylan Carlson to One-Year Deal, DFA Jacob Amaya

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Baltimore Orioles announced Saturday they have signed outfielder Dylan Carlson to a one-year, $975,000 major league contract for the 2025 season. The deal includes a $25,000 bonus if Carlson reaches 200 plate appearances. To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Jacob Amaya was designated for assignment.

Carlson, 26, split the 2024 season between the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays, batting .209/.287/.277 with three home runs and 25 RBIs in 96 games. He began the year on the injured list recovering from a left AC joint sprain before being reinstated by the Cardinals on May 5. The Rays acquired him in a July 30 trade for right-handed pitcher Shawn Armstrong.

A switch-hitter, Carlson has shown consistent success against left-handed pitching, boasting a career .285/.361/.431 slash line versus southpaws. In 2021, he finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting and set several Cardinals rookie records, including 53 extra-base hits and 237 total bases.

“Improving the lineup against lefties has been a clear focus for us this offseason,” said Orioles general manager Mike Elias. “Dylan brings a proven track record in that area and adds depth to our outfield.”

Carlson, a first-round pick by the Cardinals in 2016, has appeared in three postseasons, including six Wild Card Series games. His career totals include a .237/.317/.376 slash line with 37 home runs and 175 RBIs over five major league seasons.

The move raises questions about the Orioles’ outfield depth, with prospects like Heston Kjerstad and Dylan Beavers potentially impacted. Amaya, 25, was claimed off waivers from the Miami Marlins in December 2024 and had yet to appear in a game for Baltimore.