Perhaps one of the biggest question marks for the St. Louis Cardinals entering the 2023 season is the health and production of outfielder Dylan Carlson.
Once a Rookie of the Year candidate, Carlson regressed in 2022, hitting only .236 and losing his spot as the starting center fielder.
The switch-hitting outfielder also dealt with various injuries, missing time due to a hamstring issue and fighting through a wrist injury all season long.
As a result, he may end up being the odd man out, especially with Jordan Walker emerging.
However, Cardinals analyst Josh Jacobs made sure to vouch for Carlson, while also expressing his excitement over Walker.
I’m not sure why we can’t be excited about Jordan Walker and support the Cardinals decision to promote him, while also still believing in the future of Dylan Carlson.#STLCards used to have zero position player depth, and now it feels like people are complaining about who they…
— Joshua Jacobs (@joshjacoMLB) March 27, 2023
Walker is projected to take over one of the starting spots in the outfield, or potentially serve as a designated hitter.
Still, there is reason to be excited about Carlson.
While the power numbers have never been terribly impressive, he has shown flashes of his All-Star potential.
He’s also a switch hitter, which makes him valuable to the Cardinals.
His defense in the outfield can’t be overlooked either.
Carlson has a strong arm and a solid glove, so there are reasons for fans to be excited about what he could bring to the team.
If he can improve at the plate, then the Cardinals will gain an extra weapon off the bench or even in their starting lineup if he can fight his way back into the mix.
This is a big year for Carlson, but the potential to be an All-Star caliber player is still there.
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