Born and raised in McComb, Mississippi, Dyson attended McComb High School, where he starred in baseball and football as a running back. At McComb, Dyson earned All-Division honors but was passed over by most scouts due to his slight stature. Dyson later attended Southwest Mississippi Community College. At Southwest, Dyson tied the single-season record with seven triples and set a record with 47 runs.
Professional career
Dyson was drafted by the Royals in the 50th round, 1,475th overall, of the 2006 amateur draft. He signed with the team for $5,000. Dyson began his professional career that year, playing for the AZL Royals and hitting.273 with no home runs and 19 stolen bases in 51 games. He played in 10 games in 2007, all for the Burlington Bees, hitting.270. He spent 2008 with the Wilmington Blue Rocks, hitting.260 with 39 stolen bases in 93 games. He split the 2009 season between the Bees and Northwest Arkansas Naturals, hitting a combined.276 with 46 stolen bases. He began 2010 in the minor leagues, splitting the season between the AZL Royals, Blue Rocks, Naturals and Omaha Royals. He hit.299 with 24 stolen bases in 71 games.
Dyson was first called up to the major leagues in September 2010, joining the Royals and getting some playing time in center field. He played in 18 games and hit.211/.286/.404 with nine stolen bases in 57 at-bats. He made the team out of spring training in 2011, and took on the role of a pinch running specialist. He was regarded as one of the faster outfielders in the game.
2011
With Melky Cabrera having a breakout season in center field, Dyson spent the majority of the season in Triple-A. When in the Major Leagues, he served as a late-inning pinch runner for Billy Butler and Brayan Pena. Dyson hit.205/.308/.227 in 44 at-bats, stealing 11 bases. In the minors, he hit.279 with 38 stolen bases in 83 minor league games that year.
2012
The Royals originally had Lorenzo Cain as their starting center fielder, however Dyson gained significant playing time as a result of injuries to Cain. In 102 games, Dyson finished the 2012 season with 76 hits in 292 at-bats leading to a.260 batting average. He also had nine RBI, eight doubles, five triples, 30 walks, 52 runs scored and 30 stolen bases, further highlighting his speed and baserunning talent. He spent 15 games with the minor league Omaha Storm Chasers that year as well, hitting.333 with seven stolen bases.
2013
In 2013, Dyson set a career best with 34 steals and had a slash line of.258/.326/.366.
2014
In spring training in 2014, Dyson tied for the major league lead in stolen bases with 10, while not being caught once. He finished the regular season tied for third in the American League with 36 steals. He was often used as a late inning pinch runner and defensive substitute, taking over in center field while Lorenzo Cain would shift to right field taking the place of Norichika Aoki. He played in a career high 120 games and had a career high batting average and RBI total.
2015
On January 28, 2015, the Kansas City Royals and Dyson avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract for $1,225,000. Dyson, who was expected to be the Royals' fourth outfielder, could also make $25,000 for reaching 350 plate appearances and $50,000 if he was chosen for the All-Star Game. He batted.250/.311/.380. In 2015, Dyson played an important role in the 2015 World Series against the New York Mets. The Royals were up 3 games to 1 in the fifth game of the World Series. In the 12th Inning, the Royals and Mets were tied at two runs each. After a single to right field, Dyson, known for his speed, pinch ran for Salvador Perez. Dyson proceeded to steal 2nd base. When Alex Gordon grounded out to first, Dyson got to third base. Then, Christian Colón singled to left allowing Dyson to reach home plate giving the Royals their first lead of the game. The Royals would finish the inning with a total of five runs, winning the game 7-2 and becoming the 2015 World Series Champions.
2016
Prior to the start of the 2016 season, Dyson and Paulo Orlando were considered most likely to platoon in right field, though the Royals announced plans for an open competition in spring training. On July 18, Dyson hit a grand slam against the Cleveland Indians. It was the first of his career.
Seattle Mariners
On January 6, 2017, Dyson was traded to the Seattle Mariners for Nate Karns. On September 11, 2017, it was announced that Dyson would undergo pelvic surgery, ending his season. In 111 games of 2017, Dyson finished with 28 stolen bases, a.251 batting average, 5 home runs, and 30 RBI.
Arizona Diamondbacks
On February 19, 2018, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed Dyson for two years and $7.5 million. His first season with Arizona proved to be difficult, as he had multiple stints on the disabled list and hit a career-low.189 with a.282 OBP and a.257 slugging percentage in 67 games. He was ruled out for the season on September 6. In 2019 he batted.230/.313/.320 in 400 at bats.
Pittsburgh Pirates
On February 13, 2020, Dyson signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Personal life
Dyson has three older brothers, one younger brother and a younger sister, and was raised by Cecilia, his mother. The family lived in public housing until he was eight years old. In January 2016, the city of McComb, Mississippi, announced it was renaming one of its streets Dyson Drive to honor him.
