A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with St. Louis Cardinals prospect Dylan Carlson. Â Carlson currently plays for Class A Peoria as one of the Cardinals top outfield prospects in the minor leagues. Â Plummer was the Cardinals First Round Draft Pick in 2016. Â Dylan is only 18 year old so in terms of prospects he is one of the younger players in Class A. Â Dylan talked to me about his approach and how the biggest change from high school to the pros has been the mental aspect of the game. Â NOTE – (A.C. can stand for Arch City or for me, Andy Cockerill – your choice.)
A.C. – You got that one at bat this year in Spring Training – what was that like?
Dylan Carlson – It was really exciting. Â It was a great opportunity. Â I felt very fortunate and happy to be up there and learn from how the guys go about their business. Â It was something special to watch.
A.C. – Â A year ago you were in high school – now here you are in pro ball – what has been the biggest change for you?
Dylan Carlson – The biggest change I’d say is just playing everyday.  It’s something you have to get used to.  You have to come to the park each and everyday ready to play – that’s probably been the biggest adjustment for me so far. Â
A.C. – When you were down in spring training this year, were there any guys on the Cardinals  who helped you out or mentored you?
Dylan Carlson – Definitely.  A lot of AA & AAA guys helped me (Dylan was invited to Step Camp), guys like Alex Mejia & Blake Drake helped me a lot.  What I took away from them is how they approach the game, how they view the game, how they go about their business, how they take care of themselves – the whole mental aspect was something I took away.  I’m now taking aspects of what I learned and have been making them part of my game.
A.C. – The previous game I had seen Dylan.  He drew a few walks, and hit one to the track (on a warm night it surely would have went out).  I asked him if he was starting to feel “locked in”.
Dylan Carlson – I’m just trying to up there and take quality at bats to help my team win.  That’s my focus.  Just try to get better everyday.
A.C. – What’s the most challenging part of the game for you?
Dylan Carlson – I’d say my approach.  I try to stay consistent.  Mentally taking each at bat, and adjusting my mental approach to what’s needed for me that day/that at bat.  That’s what I’ve been working on.
A.C. – Any players you looked up toward or tried to model your game after?
Dylan Carlson – I always liked Carlos Beltran. Â A switch hitter and outfielder, even Mark Texierra. Â Guys who have just consistently got it done at the big league level.
A.C. – As a switch hitter yourself – when did you become a switch hitter?
Dylan Carlson – I’ve been switch hitting for a long time.  I started right handed but have been switch hitting since I was 5 or 6 years old.
A.C. – Being in A ball – Are there any specific things that you’re trying to work on to get to the next level?
Dylan Carlson – It’s all about my mental approach.  Just how you compete and go about your business each day.  I try to keep adjusting my game to get better each and everyday. Â
For just being 18, Carlson is a guy who fans should really take notice of. Â After a bit of a slow start in his professional debut he is hitting over .300 in his last 10 games. Â I think the Cardinals would like to see him play everyday in Peoria for a season before they even think about moving him up. Â Getting a talent like Carlson in the system at the age of 18 really could be huge for both the Cardinals and himself. Â A lot of guys come out of college at 22 and report to a short season league or A ball. Â By the time Carlson is 22 he could very well be in Class AA and just a call up away from making his debut in St. Louis.
You can follow Dylan @DCarls_06