Cleveland Guardians Linked To This St. Louis Cardinals Outfielder

The Cleveland Guardians have been linked to this former first round pick as a potential trade acquistion ahead of the MLB deadline.

Jul 6, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson (3) reacts to a strikeout during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports / Daniel Kucin Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

With the MLB Trade Deadline quickly approaching, the Cleveland Guardians have yet to make a move. However, it's been reported by MLB writer John Denton that St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson is drawing interest from the Guardians.

#STLCards OF Dylan Carlson is drawing interest from the #Guardians #Angels and #Nats, per a source. The Cards still need to clear a roster spot after trading for RHP Erick Fedde and OF/DH Tommy Pham.

Carlson on wanting to stay in STL and wanting to play:

(1/2, more)

— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) July 29, 2024

The news of Cleveland potentially acquiring an outfielder may come as a surprise, as many believe the team should address the need for another starting pitcher. But due to the recent lack of production from the offense since the All-Star break, general manager Mike Chernoff could be on the hunt for another bat to jumpstart the offense.

Here's what Carlson said when asked about wanting to stay with the Cardinals:

#STLCards OF Dylan Carlson on a potential trade: “It’s a hard question to answer, because I just want to play. 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.”

(2/2)

— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) July 29, 2024

The former first-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft has faced his ups-and-downs throughout his five seasons in St. Louis. Carlson shined in his second season, batting .266 with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs. However, the switch-hitting outfielder has not returned to his prime self after dealing with injuries.

This year, Carlson has played in 59 games while batting .198 during the stretch. With the Cardinals' recent acquision of outfielder Tommy Pham, the team could be looking to move off the 25-year-old.

If the Guardians were to acquire Carlson, he would join a jam-packed outfield. Steven Kwan will clearly remain the everyday left fielder, and the rise of Angel Martinez leads to only one spot. Will Brennan, Tyler Freeman, Daniel Schneemann and Jhonkensy Noel are all part of the rotation, and Carlson would join the mix. His ability to bat from both sides could help give him an edge if he breaks his recent slump.