Carlos Carrasco, a familiar face in Cleveland, is set to reunite with the Guardians. The 36-year-old right-handed pitcher, known affectionately as “Cookie,” has inked a minor league contract with an invitation to join the team for spring training, as confirmed by sources.
If Carrasco secures a spot on the big league roster, his base salary will amount to $2 million. The news of Carrasco’s return to the Guardians was first reported by The Athletic.
Carrasco, a mainstay in Cleveland’s pitching rotation for over a decade, left an indelible mark during his time with the team. In 2017, he led the American League with 18 wins, earning admiration for both his on-field prowess and his amiable personality. His courageous battle against leukemia in 2019 further endeared him to fans. Carrasco’s emotional appearance at the All-Star Game in Cleveland that year remains a poignant memory.
During his tenure with Cleveland from 2009 to 2020, Carrasco amassed an 88-73 record with an ERA of 3.77 in 242 games, including 195 starts.
In 2021, Carrasco was part of the trade that sent All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets. During his three seasons with the Mets, Carrasco compiled a 19-20 record, highlighted by a 15-7 performance in 2022. However, his 2023 season saw him post a 3-8 record in 20 starts.
Notably, Carrasco’s journey with the Guardians faced a significant hurdle when he was struck by a line drive on his pitching hand in the final month of the 2016 season, causing him to miss the team’s run to the World Series.