The Baltimore Orioles are making moves, folks. They've secured outfielder Dylan Carlson with a one-year contract as part of their latest roster addition. According to AP News, this deal comes after Carlson found himself untethered when the Tampa Bay Rays decided not to make a tender offer. Once a first-round draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016, Carlson's bat has been quieter recently. He managed only 16 homers since his 18-homer debut season in 2021.

His batting average wasn't headline material either, sitting at .209 for 2024. Still, the guy has shown he can swing from both sides of the plate and has a glove that covers all three outfield positions, a flexibility the Orioles are probably keen to use. Despite being only 26, the O's are willing to bet he'll fully realize that potential everyone talked about a few years back. They're even offering Carlson an extra $25,000 if he can rack up 200 plate appearances, as reported by ESPN.

Let's talk context—Baltimore's outfield looks different this year. They parted ways with Anthony Santander, who's now up north with Toronto, and they've brought in a new face with Tyler O'Neill. The outfield competition doesn't end there; Cedric Mullins, Colton Cowser, and Heston Kjerstad are all vying for their time in the sun (or, you know, the stadium lights).

The Orioles are making moves and looking for the right combination for the upcoming season. They're allowing Carlson to show he's more than a rough patch. If he takes advantage of this fresh start, their small investment in him could pay off big. Plus, that bonus clause serves as extra motivation—whether it’s hitting home runs or simply getting on base, Carlson could play a key role in helping the Orioles make waves in the AL East.