System and method embodiments are provided for carrier-signal power ratio (CSPR) control in direct detection optical systems. In an embodiment, a method for CSPR control in a direct detection optical system includes receiving an electrical signal in a receiver (RX) digital signal processor (DSP), wherein the electrical signal is obtained from a corresponding optical signal via a direct detection component; estimating, a CSPR for the electrical signal; generating one of a control signal according to the CSPR; and transmitting the control signal to one of an optical filter and a laser, wherein the wavelength control signal controls causes a center wavelength (CW) of one of the optical filter and the laser to be adjusted such that an offset between the CW of the laser and the CW of the optical filter results in a desired CSPR.