Carlos Carrasco Aiming for Yankees’ Starting Rotation Role

Carlos Carrasco is rewriting his own story this spring training, mounting a surprising yet strong case to secure a spot in the Yankees’ starting rotation.

The veteran pitcher, once thought to be a peripheral figure in camp after signing a minor league deal this offseason, has bolstered his bid with stellar performances in recent outings.

As the Yankees search for rotation depth ahead of opening day, Carrasco’s late surge is giving the coaching staff plenty to think about.

Carlos Carrasco: A Resurgent Veteran

Carlos Carrasco, affectionately known as “Cookie,” has spent much of his career as a dependable starter, most prominently with the Cleveland Guardians.

Following a two-year stint with the New York Mets plagued by inconsistency, the right-hander entered the offseason in search of a fresh opportunity.

He found it with the Yankees, signing a minor league deal aimed at giving the rotation some experienced depth behind the presumed starters.

Why Was Carrasco Overlooked Initially?

When Carrasco first arrived at Yankees camp, few thought he had a realistic chance to earn a rotation spot.

He wasn’t included in most projections for the starting five, which were dominated by names like Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Severino.

His past struggles—including declining velocity and some rocky health concerns—had relegated him to the periphery of the rotation conversation.

However, Carrasco appears to have turned a corner.

Reports indicate that he focused heavily on refining his mechanics and improving his fitness this offseason.

Early signs from spring training suggest that work is paying off.

His command, in particular, has drawn praise, while his ability to mix his pitches effectively has kept hitters guessing.

Making the Most of Every Opportunity

Spring training is, as they say, where dreams can be realized or dashed. For Carrasco, it has represented a crucial stage for showing Yankees management that he still has the chops to perform at the Major League level.

His most recent outings, including a solid showing during the Yankees’ 6-5 exhibition win earlier this week, are prime examples of a veteran pitcher maximizing his chances.

What Sets Carrasco Apart?

There are a few elements to Carrasco’s game that might give him an edge over the competition:

• Experience: With more than a decade in the Majors, Carrasco understands the grind of a 162-game season and how to handle the challenges of big-game situations.
• Proven Track Record: While recent years have been uneven, Carrasco has shown in the past that he can thrive as a top-tier starter. His career ERA of 3.87 is a testament to his skill.
• Preparation: The focus on offseason conditioning demonstrates a desire to adapt and improve.

Step by step, Carrasco is reminding the Yankees why his experience and potential made him worth a flyer when they signed him to a minor league deal this winter.

The Competition: Will Warren in the Mix

It’s important to note that Carrasco is not the only pitcher making waves in spring training.

Will Warren, a younger arm with plenty of upside, has also exceeded expectations and entered the rotation conversation.

The Yankees, who value flexibility and depth, are likely watching the competition closely as they weigh their options before opening day.

The Dilemma Facing the Yankees

By adding Carrasco and Warren to the mix, the Yankees face a good problem: too many competent pitchers.

With the potential for injuries or inconsistent performances across a long season, a deep starting rotation will ultimately benefit the team.

However, deciding who joins the initial rotation is becoming a tough call.

Carrasco’s veteran savvy may make him a more appealing choice, especially considering the high-pressure environment of playing in New York.

What’s Next for Carrasco and the Yankees?

As opening day draws closer, the Yankees will need to finalize their plans for how the pitching staff shakes out.

For Carrasco, the next week or two represents a critical window to continue proving his worth in game situations. If he keeps delivering consistent, effective performances, his name could very well be etched into the rotation.

For fans of Carlos Carrasco, this spring offers yet another compelling chapter in the veteran’s career—a reminder of his resilience and determination.

If the Yankees ultimately reward his strong spring with a rotation spot, it could be one of the best underdog stories to emerge from camp this year.

As we wait for the final decision, one thing is clear: Carlos Carrasco has taken what was an outside opportunity and turned it into a legitimate shot at redemption.

Whether he breaks camp in the Yankees’ starting five or not, his performances have already won him new admirers in the Bronx.

 
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