The Chicago Cubs continued their strong start to the series against the New York Mets with a 4–2 win on Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field, taking a 2–0 lead and putting themselves in position for a series sweep on Sunday.
But the bigger story before first pitch came off the field, as the Cubs quietly made a roster move involving a familiar name. Outfielder Dylan Carlson a player with seven years of MLB experience is back in the organization after signing a minor league contract.
According to reports from Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register, Carlson had recently been designated for assignment by Chicago, chose free agency, and has now returned on a new deal. He has been assigned to the Iowa Cubs, the team’s Triple-A affiliate, and was immediately placed in the lineup.
The move reflects a low-risk, depth-building strategy by the Cubs. Carlson has already had a brief stint with the major league club this season, appearing in three games and recording one run across four at-bats. While those numbers are limited, the organization clearly sees value in keeping him within reach as the season unfolds.
Saturday’s transactions didn’t stop there. Left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks joined Iowa on a rehab assignment, signaling progress in his recovery, while right-hander Corbin Martin earned a promotion back to the big-league roster.
Carlson’s journey in Major League Baseball began when he was selected in the first round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He spent over four seasons in St. Louis, with his most productive year coming in 2021. That season, Carlson hit .266 with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs, showcasing the kind of offensive upside that once made him one of the league’s more promising young outfielders.
Now, the Cubs are giving him another opportunity — albeit at the minor league level — to rediscover that form. If he performs well in Iowa, a return to Chicago later in the season remains a realistic possibility.
For a Cubs team already finding success on the field this weekend, the Carlson signing is a subtle but potentially meaningful move as they continue to build roster depth for the long haul.
