Carlos Carrasco can be considered a prominent figure in modern Cleveland Guardians history.
He was there for the golden Terry Francona years in the 2010s, until he was traded alongside Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets.
After a couple of years in Queens, he returned to Cleveland this season with hopes of strengthening the Guardians depth and prove he can still be an MLB-level starter.
He did provide depth, pitching 103.2 frames for the Guards in 2024.
The second item, however, wasn’t really met: he posted a 5.64 ERA and looked progressively worse as the season went by.
Granted, he was affected by a hip strain that landed him on the injured list on early August, but he was designated for assignment at one point and he is no longer with the Guardians.
What does the future hold for ‘Cookie’?
Well, he intends to continue pitching at the MLB level.
“After receiving the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, Salvy Perez asked that fellow Venezuelan-born Clemente recipient Carlos Carrasco join him for a photo. Cookie said he has begun offseason training and hopes to pitch two more seasons,” MLB insider Anthony Castrovince posted on X.
After receiving the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, Salvy Perez asked that fellow Venezuelan-born Clemente recipient Carlos Carrasco join him for a photo.
Cookie said he has begun offseason training and hopes to pitch two more seasons. pic.twitter.com/wui7BnECNk
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) October 28, 2024
There you have it: the fact he is healthy enough and has already started an off-season training program is encouraging for his career.
He has a lot of work to do to hit peak form by the time spring training comes, increasing his chances of landing a job and pitching the two extra years he wants.
He is loved and respected by Guardians fans and posted a 3.91 ERA in 12 seasons with the franchise, but Cleveland needs more upside from their starting pitching targets.
NEXT: Bruce Drennan Makes A Bold Prediction About Guardians Next Season
