
Carlson certainly would have had more opportunity elsewhere as a free agent after being non-tendered by the Rays, but he opted for a major league deal with the Orioles instead of a minor league contract with a lesser team. He's just insurance in Baltimore, and he has no path to making the team unless an outfielder gets hurt. He's in the midst of a nice spring, though, having hit .273/.455/.545 in 33 plate appearances.