On Monday, it was reported that Cleveland Guardians free agent Carlos Carrasco had found a new team.
That team is the New York Yankees, who signed the beloved ‘Cookie’ to a one-year minor league deal.
The pact also contains an invitation to spring training.
With a 5.64 ERA in 103.2 innings, the right-hander wasn’t quite the pitcher the Guardians envisioned when they signed him ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Nevertheless, he always wore Cleveland’s uniform with pride and dignity.
For that, and for representing the city and the franchise for a solid 12 seasons (2009-20, 2024), Carrasco earned the respect and admiration of Cleveland.
The organization sent him a farewell message on social media.
“Thank you for your leadership and presence in our organization and community, Cookie! Best of luck in New York,” the Guardians posted on X.
Thank you for your leadership and presence in our organization and community, Cookie!
Best of luck in New York.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/EWfSyDN8ss
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) February 3, 2025
Carrasco looks, at 37 years old, like he has thrown his last meaningful pitch in MLB.
After all, he flirted with a 6.00 ERA last year.
The Yankees believe, however, that if he is fully healthy, he can serve as organizational depth and a mentor for many of their young pitching prospects.
In a best-case scenario, New York gets a spot starter who can take the ball in an emergency if he is fully healthy.
If it doesn’t pan out, the Yankees can easily get out of the contract since it’s a minor-league pact.
Carrasco could make as much as $2.5 million with performance bonuses if he is in MLB.
Regardless of what happens in 2025, the Guardians are grateful for Carrasco’s help through the years.
He was there for the good and the bad times.
NEXT: Guardians Sign Former Top Prospect To Minor League Deal
