As the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaches, teams are working against the clock to finalize their rosters by the 6pm EST deadline.
The final hours leading up to this deadline are always bustling with activity and speculation.
Among the players generating buzz this year is St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson, who is reportedly drawing interest from the Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Angels, and Washington Nationals, among others.
According to John Denton of MLB.com, “Cardinals OF Dylan Carlson is drawing interest from the Guardians, Angels, and Nationals, per a source. The Cards still need to clear a roster spot after trading for RHP Erick Fedde and OF/DH Tommy Pham.”
The recent acquisitions of Erick Fedde and Tommy Pham necessitate a roster adjustment for the Cardinals, making a trade involving Carlson increasingly likely.
Carlson is well aware of the trade rumors surrounding him.
Aware of the business aspect of baseball, he remains focused on playing the game he loves. Having entered the league in 2020, Carlson has yet to experience being traded but understands the nature of the sport.
“It’s a hard question to answer because I just want to play,” Carlson stated.
“We know how this game works. And, like I’ve said, this is all I know. For me, I just want to play, and I know what I’ve done to get here.”
This season has been challenging for Carlson offensively.
Currently batting .198, he has recorded 11 RBIs and no home runs, resulting in a .515 OPS. Despite these struggles, Carlson remains committed to improving his performance in the remaining months of the season.
The Cardinals, currently second in the NL Central, face a pivotal moment as they navigate the trade deadline.
Carlson’s potential new destinations vary significantly in their playoff prospects. The Guardians are leading the AL Central, while the Angels and Nationals are both in fourth place in their respective divisions, the AL West and NL East.
Should the Cardinals ship out Carlson today???