By Sunday 
A Veteran Arm Joins the Roster Ahead of Spring Training
The New York Yankees have made another addition to their pitching depth, bringing in veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco on a minor league deal. With spring training just around the corner, this move signals a strategic attempt by general manager Brian Cashman to strengthen the team’s rotation options without making a blockbuster acquisition.
Carrasco’s Journey: A Decorated Career
At 37 years old, Carrasco brings a wealth of experience to the Yankees. Over 15 seasons, he has compiled a 110-103 record, spending time with the Cleveland Guardians and New York Mets. Though his 2023 season with Cleveland was a challenging one—finishing with a 3-10 record and a 5.64 ERA—his career highlights prove he still has plenty to offer.
Carrasco was an integral part of Cleveland’s pitching staff in the mid-2010s, helping lead the team to the 2016 World Series with an impressive 3.32 ERA that season. He also earned American League Cy Young Award votes in both 2015 and 2017.
Battling Adversity: A True Fighter
Carrasco’s story is about more than just baseball. In May 2019, he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a condition that could have ended his career. However, his resilience shined through, and after just three months of treatment, he returned to the mound. Despite this incredible comeback, his performance has been inconsistent since his diagnosis, with a 27-35 record and a 5.02 ERA in recent years.
Where Does Carrasco Fit in the Yankees’ Plans?
With an already strong rotation featuring Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Marcus Stroman, Carrasco will likely be considered a depth option rather than a guaranteed starter. However, with Stroman rumored to be on the trading block, his role could shift depending on how the roster shapes up before Opening Day.
Carrasco’s postseason experience—having faced the Yankees twice in high-stakes October matchups—adds another layer of intrigue to this signing. If he performs well in spring training, he could find himself in a meaningful role, either as a rotation piece or a reliable bullpen arm.
While this signing isn’t the kind of headline-grabbing move that fans might have been hoping for, it’s a smart, low-risk addition that could pay off for the Yankees as they gear up for another competitive season.