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MLB rumors: Predicting the next 5 young stars to sign contract extensions

By Cody Williams

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 14: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 14, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 14: Juan Soto #22 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 14, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – JULY 27: Dylan Carlson #3 of the St. Louis Cardinals bats against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 27, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – JULY 27: Dylan Carlson #3 of the St. Louis Cardinals bats against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 27, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

3. Dylan Carlson, St. Louis Cardinals

For as long as the St. Louis Cardinals have Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado playing at their current level, they’re going to be just fine. And there is a host of young talent on the roster that should very much be part of the future, including Tommy Edman, Lars Nootbar, Tyler O’Neill and several others.

One of the others that should be considered in that capacity is 23-year-old outfielder Dylan Carlson. The switch-hitting youngster has really started to show his value over the past two seasons and looks to be a crucial part of the future of the Cardinals.

Over the last two seasons and 253 games, Carlson has a solid OPS+ of 111 as he’s slashed .257/.332/.420 with 26 home runs, 55 doubles, eight triples and seven stolen bases to go along with 104 RBI and 126 runs scored.

Make no mistake, Carlson has not yet entered the status of some of the players on this list of being a proven star. Yet, enough of the signs are there, along with flashes of brilliance, to believe that he’s worthy of investing in. More importantly, the fact that he hasn’t reached that level yet could benefit the Cardinals in negotiations to get a team-friendly contract on the books.

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