Ex-Pitcher of Guardians, Carlos Carrasco, Incorporated in Yankees' Pitching Lineup
The New York Yankees are in a bit of a pickle with injuries sidelining three of their starting pitchers. Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt are likely to open the season on the Major League Baseball Injured List due to Tommy John surgery, a strained lat, and shoulder fatigue, respectively. Despite boasting a massive $285 million payroll, the team is short on starting pitching.
Old Hand, Carlos Carrasco, Emerges as a Contender
Enter Carlos Carrasco, a 38-year-old veteran who was non-roster invitee to the Yankees' spring training this year. After inking a minor league contract with the team, Carrasco has been promoted to the big league roster. With the starting pitching landscape looking grim, Carrasco finds himself as a potential fifth starter for the Bronx Bombers.
Preparing for the Unthinkable: Jordan Montgomery's Surgery and Future
Meanwhile, Jordan Montgomery's chances of a reunion with the Yankees appear slim due to the lefty's upcoming Tommy John surgery. Drafted by the Yankees in the second round of the 2014 draft, Montgomery was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in July 2023 and is now with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Montgomery has shed 20-25 pounds this offseason and has shown improvement in his pitching approach this spring. However, multiple teams are interested in Montgomery, but none have been named yet, possibly not the Yankees either.
Youngster Will Warren: A Potential Solution?
With three spots to fill in the rotation, right-hander Will Warren and Carlos Carrasco seem to have opportunities knocking. According to Fangraphs, Warren is the potential fourth starter in the Yankees' rotation. Drafted in the 8th round of the 2021 draft, Warren debuted with the Yankees in July 2024 and made six appearances, starting five games. Though he struggled (0-3, 10.32 ERA, and 1.89 WHIP), Warren's pitch repertoire (including a 93 mph four-seam fastball, sinker, changeup, curve, and slider) has attractiven potential. This spring, Warren has posted a 5.05 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and yielded three home runs in five starts.
Carrasco Ahoy!
At 6-4, 224 pounds, Carrasco is a imposing figure on the mound. With 15 big league seasons under his belt, Carrasco brings years of experience and, more importantly, the flexibility to pitch in various roles. After starting his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Carrasco saw most of his time with the Cleveland Indians (currently the Cleveland Guardians). In 2022, Carrasco made 21 starts for the Guardians, posting a subpar 5.64 ERA and 1.39 WHIP.
However, the Yankees took a chance on Carrasco in October 2025, signing him to a minor league contract. Carrasco will earn $1.5 million, with the potential to make up to $2.5 million in incentives. His spring performances have been impressive, boasting an ERA of 1.69 and an extraordinary 0.93 WHIP in the Florida Grapefruit League. As a result, it appears that the Yankees will rely on Carrasco as part of their starting rotation.
With the starting pitching situation currently up in the air, fans eagerly anticipate who will don the Yankees' uniform for opening day.
- Despite the Yankees' massive $285 million payroll, the team's starting pitching predicament leaves them short, offering Carlos Carrasco, an experienced veteran, an opportunity to potentially assume the fifth starter role.
- With Jordan Montgomery set to undergo Tommy John surgery, his future with the Yankees appears uncertain, opening up spots in the rotation for newer players, such as Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren.
- Drawing attention for his impressive spring performances, 38-year-old Carlos Carrasco, with a robust pitch repertoire and years of experience, could be a key addition to the Yankees' starting rotation, presenting a potentially solid solution to the team's starting pitching woes.
