Trades happen every baseball season. It is part of the game. Teams trade from a surplus for an area of need. Other times, the team feels a player is not performing up to potential and needs a change of scenery. For fans, trades can be a double-edged sword. You want to see your favorite team win but also want to see certain players be a part of that success. That is my situation with the Cardinals and Dylan Carlson.
Carlson was traded to the Rays yesterday for a reliever. Not much of a return for the #15 prospect in all of baseball a few years ago. I knew the trade was coming, but I still do not like the fact it happened. Carlson was not getting the playing time, nor was he doing well when he did play. I am rooting for him to turn into the next former Cardinals outfielder who turns into an all-star. Randy Arozarena, Adolis Garcia, Tyler O'Neill, and Lane Thomas come to mind. Not all were all-stars, but they have had nice seasons since leaving St. Louis.
Carlson was the Cardinals #1 draft pick in 2016. I first saw him play in Peoria in 2017.
He was only 19 years old that year. I attended quite a few games that year and took quite a few pictures. Somewhere in my office, I have an autographed copy of this one.
Carlson autographed some Cardinals on Signature Sundays that same year.
At the end of the season, the Chiefs held a meet and great for anyone who bought a ticket package. Carlson was very polite, introducing himself to my kids and gladly taking pictures. My son has this picture autographed and hanging in his bedroom.
Sometime that winter, I bought his 2016 Bowman Chrome auto.
He autographed this ball at the 2020 Cardinals Winter Warm Up.
I have 190 different Carlson cards in my collection. This is the only game used card.
Carlson took a picture with my son at the 2023 Winter Warm Up before he autographed this oversized Topps card.
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