Impressive Trend Hints Cardinals’ Stud Prospect Dylan Carlson Will Make MLB Debut Soon

St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Dylan Carlson reached base eight straight times in his first week of Grapefruit League play this spring. He has only gotten out seven times, which equals his number of hits, and trails the 11 times he's managed to safely reach base.

His stellar spring to this point, as well as an interesting minor league trend, might both point to the 21-year-old California native making his big league debut as soon as Opening Day.

Carlson is absolutely beasting this spring, and the trends indicate St. Louis won't be able to keep him down for long -- 12 of the 13 Double-A Texas League Player of the Year winners from '05 to '17 have made the bigs within 11 months of their honor, and Carlson is next in line.

“I think you’re seeing a good player — we use the word consistent a lot — consistent with your approach, consistent with your technique, and you’re seeing a guy who is able to do both and the rewards are eight-for-eight,” manager Mike Shildt said. “That’s a pretty impressive thing. You’re seeing a good player with a plan, and the ability to execute.”

Carlson, who was selected 33rd overall in the 2016 draft, spent the bulk of 2019 in Double-A with the Springfield Cardinals, before forcing his promotion to Triple-A for the final 18 games of the season. In those 18 games with the Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate, the Memphis Redbirds, he slashed .361 with five home runs and nine RBI.