What Happened to Carlos Luis Carrasco?
Carlos 'Cookie' Carrasco is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball pitcher with a career spanning over 17 MLB seasons. After significant time with the Cleveland Indians/Guardians and New York Mets, he has recently experienced frequent roster changes, including stints with the New York Yankees and multiple transactions with the Atlanta Braves, where he currently remains as of May 2026.
Quick Answer
Carlos Carrasco, nicknamed 'Cookie,' is currently a professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. After playing for the Cleveland Guardians in 2024 and the New York Yankees for part of 2025, he was traded to the Braves in July 2025. He has since been frequently designated for assignment and re-signed by the Braves, most recently being selected to their major league roster on May 2, 2026, after a brief period of free agency.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Signed by Philadelphia Phillies
Carlos Carrasco was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an undrafted free agent at the age of 16.
MLB Debut with Cleveland Indians
Carrasco made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cleveland Indians, starting against the Detroit Tigers.
Diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Carrasco was placed on the injured list after being diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a treatable form of blood cancer.
Returns to Pitching After Leukemia Diagnosis
After his diagnosis and treatment, Carrasco was activated from the injured list and made his first appearance since, pitching in relief.
Named AL Comeback Player of the Year
For his courageous return to baseball after battling leukemia, Carlos Carrasco was awarded the American League Comeback Player of the Year.
Traded to New York Mets
Carrasco was traded from the Cleveland Indians to the New York Mets along with Francisco Lindor in a significant offseason deal.
Mets Exercise 2023 Option
The New York Mets exercised their $14 million club option on Carlos Carrasco's contract for the 2023 season.
Placed on Waivers by Mets
Carrasco was placed on waivers by the Mets but went unclaimed, remaining with the club before becoming a free agent after the season.
Signs Minor League Deal with Cleveland Guardians
Carrasco returned to his former team, the Cleveland Guardians, by signing a minor league contract.
Makes Guardians Opening Day Roster
After signing a minor league deal, Carrasco successfully earned a spot on the Cleveland Guardians' Opening Day roster.
Signs Minor League Deal with New York Yankees
Carrasco signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, aiming to make their major league roster.
Traded to Atlanta Braves
The New York Yankees traded Carlos Carrasco to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations.
Braves Select Carrasco's Contract
The Atlanta Braves selected Carlos Carrasco's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett, adding him to their major league roster.
Designated for Assignment by Braves
After one scoreless relief appearance, Carrasco was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves to make room on the roster.
Re-signs with Braves and Selected to MLB Roster
After clearing waivers and electing free agency on May 1, Carrasco quickly re-signed with the Atlanta Braves on a minor league deal and was selected to the major league roster the following day.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Carlos Carrasco's journey in Major League Baseball has been marked by both consistent performance and significant challenges, particularly in recent years. After being signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2003, he made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2009, where he spent the majority of his early career, establishing himself as a reliable starter.
A pivotal moment in Carrasco's career came in June 2019 when he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Despite this life-altering news, he made an inspiring return to the mound in August of the same year and was subsequently named the American League Comeback Player of the Year. This period showcased his resilience and determination, earning him widespread admiration.
In January 2021, Carrasco was traded to the New York Mets as part of a blockbuster deal that also sent Francisco Lindor to New York. His tenure with the Mets was hampered by injuries, including a hamstring issue in 2021, and inconsistent performance, culminating in a 3-8 record and a 6.80 ERA in 20 starts during the 2023 season. The Mets exercised his $14 million option for 2023, but he was placed on waivers in August 2023 and became a free agent after the season.
The 2024 season saw Carrasco return to the Cleveland Guardians on a minor league contract, making their Opening Day roster. He posted a 3-10 record with a 5.64 ERA in 21 starts before being designated for assignment in September 2024. In 2025, he signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees, making their Opening Day roster before being traded to the Atlanta Braves in July. His performance with the Braves in 2025 was challenging, recording a 9.88 ERA in three starts before being designated for assignment again.
As of early 2026, Carrasco, now 39, has been in a pattern of signing minor league deals, being called up, designated for assignment, and re-signing with the Atlanta Braves. This reflects a common trajectory for veteran pitchers whose performance has declined but who still offer experience and depth. After being designated for assignment on April 29, 2026, and electing free agency on May 1, he quickly re-signed with the Braves and was selected to their major league roster on May 2, 2026, indicating his continued role as organizational depth, often shuttling between Triple-A and the MLB bullpen.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Carlos Luis Carrasco made different choices?