Dodgers Sign Sam Carlson: What to Know

Minor-league pitcher Sam Carlson announced on his X account Friday night that he has signed a deal with the Dodgers.

The gratitude-filled post made by Carlson exhibits the type of character he will add to the Dodgers organization. He seems excited for what he can bring to the table going forward, joining an organization known for leveraging its system’s pitching depth throughout the season.

Chances are pretty good that the career minor-leaguer Carlson could see some big-league action at some point. The Dodgers used a whopping 40 pitchers throughout the 2024 regular season, including two position players (Kike Hernandez and Miguel Rojas).

Carlson, who turned 26 on Dec. 3, pitched at Double-A Biloxi last season, throwing in 44 games (11 of which he completed), posting a 4.25 ERA, 1.438 WHIP and 9.4 K/9 in 48.2 IP. He allowed 30 runs (23 earned) on 51 hits in 48.2 IP, striking out 51 batters and walking 19.

The Mariners selected Carlson with their second round pick in the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft. The former No. 3-rated prospect in the Mariners organization, Carlson missed three seasons stemming from 2018 until 2020 with Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

Carlson was once thought to be a first-round draft pick talent, likely falling into the second round because he had an option of attending the University of Florida. That didn’t happen, and the 6-foot-4 pitcher went to work for the Mariners.

He remained with Seattle, rising up to high-A Everett in four seasons.

Last season was his lone campaign in the Brewers organization, and Carlson will now try and continue his pursuit of a big-league dream with the Dodgers in 2025 and beyond.

It is probable that Carlson will begin the 2025 season at Double-A Tulsa.

Terms of the signing have not been disclosed. More to come.

Your Turn: Why do you think Sam Carlson has a chance to crack the MLB with the Dodgers? Tell us below in the comments!