REPORT: Guardians Sign Carlos Carrasco To Minor League Deal

The Cleveland Guardians reportedly sign Carlos Carrasco to a minor league deal.

A team can never have too much pitching depth whether that be at the Major League level or down in the minors. The Cleveland Guardians added to that depth by bringing a former fan favorite back to the organization.

Cleveland is signing Carlos Carrasco to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, per Zack Meisel of The Athletic.

Sources: Carlos Carrasco is coming back to Cleveland on a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league spring training. The 36-year-old pitched for the organization from 2009-2020.

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) January 27, 2024

Carrasco was a beloved member of the organization when he was with the team from 2009-2020. It was tough to see him get moved to the New York Mets as a piece in the blockbuster Francisco Lindor trade that brought back Andres Gimenez.

Cookie pitched for the Indians for 11 years and held a 3.77 ERA, 1.196 WHIP, and a 3.42 FIP during that period. Carrasco finished 13th in Cy Young voting in 2015 and fourth in 2017.

The righty was a part of the dominant rotation in 2016 that eventually won the American League and reached the World Series. However, Carrasco never pitched in that playoff run after he was injured at the end of September. 

In July of 2019, the starting pitching announced that he had been diagnosed with leukemia and he missed the rest of the season. However, Carrasco never let his diagnosis define him and he'll always hold a special place in the hearts of Cleveland for the way they stood behind him during his fight.

Sep 20, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports / © Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Carrasco's tenure with the Mets didn't go how he probably planned. He only made 61 starts over the three seasons that he spent in the Big Apple and had a 5.21 ERA and a 1.461 WHIP in those appearances.

Cookie is now 36 and well past his prime years, but could still contribute if called upon whether that be starting or out of the bullpen. If anything, it'll be great to see him back with the organization where he debuted.