Despite posting a 5.32 ERA over the last four seasons, the New York Yankees aren’t shying away from signing Carlos “Cookie” Carrasco. The former New York Mets pitcher inked a minor league deal with the Yankees this offseason. Originally slated to report to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil have created an opportunity for Carrasco to secure an Opening Day roster spot.
Carrasco has shown some positive signs this spring, with a solid 2.45 ERA through 11 innings, striking out 12 and allowing only 3 earned runs. However, his 6 walks, 3 hit batters, and a pair of home runs are concerning and might serve as a warning sign despite the favorable ERA. The Yankees front office seems to be confident in his potential.
Carrasco’s recent history includes a tough stretch with the Mets, where he struggled with a 6.04 ERA in 2021 and a 6.80 ERA in 2022. Though his 2022 campaign was a bit of an outlier, where he posted a 3.97 ERA and a 15-7 record, he returned to mediocrity in 2023 with a 5.64 ERA in 21 starts for the Cleveland Guardians. While his control remains consistent, his strikeouts have dropped, and he’s allowed more home runs.
Injuries have plagued Carrasco late in his career, and his 2024 season ended prematurely with another setback. As he approaches his 38th birthday, Carrasco isn’t expected to be a game-changer but rather a temporary fill-in for the Yankees, providing innings when needed. Fans should temper expectations, viewing him as a stopgap pitcher. Anything around five solid innings before turning things over to the bullpen should be considered a win.
