Carlos Carrasco

Carlos Luis Carrasco Bio

Carlos Luis Carrasco, nicknamed “Cookie,” is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball pitcher currently in the Atlanta Braves organization. Born on March 21, 1987, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, he has played across Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians / Guardians, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 224 pounds, Carrasco throws and bats right-handed. Over his MLB career spanning from 2009 to the present, he has compiled a 112–105 win-loss record with a 4.22 earned run average and 1,702 strikeouts. He received the American League Comeback Player of the Year award in 2019 after being diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia during that season.

Early Life and Background

Carrasco was born in 1987 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, and by age 10 he was already playing baseball, initially as a third baseman. His journey to professional baseball began when he was discovered by a scout at age 16. He demonstrated a 91 mph fastball during a workout for Sal Agostinelli, who was the international scouting director for the Philadelphia Phillies at the time.

An unusual aspect of Carrasco’s development was that he learned to throw left-handed in addition to his natural right-handed delivery at a young age, though he does not consider himself ambidextrous. This early versatility hinted at his athletic ability and work ethic that would later define his professional career.

Path to Professional Baseball

Carrasco was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an undrafted free agent on November 25, 2003. He began his professional career in 2006 with the Lakewood BlueClaws at the Single-A level, where he compiled a remarkable 2.26 earned run average in 159 and one-third innings pitched. He split the 2007 season between the Single-A Clearwater Threshers and the Double-A Reading Phillies, recording a combined 2.84 ERA at Clearwater and 4.86 ERA at Reading.

On August 21, 2007, Carrasco threw his first no-hitter. Entering that season, he was ranked as the top prospect in the Phillies organization and the 41st-best prospect in all of baseball. He continued to be ranked as the organization’s top prospect entering 2008 and was recognized as having the best fastball and changeup in the Phillies system. He also appeared on the World roster of the 2006, 2007, and 2008 All-Star Futures Games.

Carlos Luis Carrasco Career

Philadelphia Phillies to Cleveland Indians (2009)

On July 29, 2009, the Phillies traded Carrasco to the Cleveland Indians as part of a package that brought Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco to Philadelphia. The trade also included Jason Donald, Lou Marson, and Jason Knapp going to Cleveland. Carrasco made his major league debut on September 1, 2009, and in five starts with the Indians that season, he had a 0–4 record with an 8.87 ERA.

During the 2010 season, Carrasco had a 2–2 record with a 3.83 ERA in seven starts for Cleveland. His time with the Indians was interrupted in July 2011 when he threw a pitch at the head of Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler, resulting in a six-game suspension. Following that incident, he underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2011 and missed the entire 2012 season.

Cleveland Indians Breakthrough (2013–2020)

Carrasco returned to the mound on April 9, 2013, making his first start since Tommy John surgery. The 2013 season proved challenging as he struggled to find his form, finishing with a 1–4 record and 6.75 ERA in 11 starts for Cleveland. He spent significant time shuttling between Triple-A Columbus and the major league roster that year.

The 2014 season marked his emergence as a reliable starter, as Carrasco appeared in 40 games with 14 starts, posting an 8–7 record with a stellar 2.55 ERA while striking out 140 batters in 134 innings pitched. He signed a four-year extension worth $22 million on April 7, 2015, a testament to the team’s confidence in his abilities.

During the 2015 season, Carrasco made 30 starts and compiled a 14–12 record with a 3.63 ERA, striking out 216 batters in 183 and two-thirds innings. A frightening moment came on April 14 when he was struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Melky Cabrera, though X-rays revealed only a bruise. On July 1, 2015, he took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays before surrendering a two-out single.

In 2016, Carrasco made 25 starts, finishing 11–8 with a 3.32 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 146 and one-third innings, despite missing the postseason due to a fractured fifth metacarpal bone in his right hand from a line drive.

The 2017 season became his career-defining year. On July 7, he pitched an immaculate inning against the Detroit Tigers, striking out the side on the minimum nine pitches, becoming only the second pitcher in Indians history to accomplish this feat. He struck out 14 Minnesota Twins batters on September 28 in a game that gave Cleveland their 100th win of the season. For the year, Carrasco went 18–6 with a 3.29 ERA and 226 strikeouts in 200 innings, leading the American League in wins and earning recognition as one of the league’s top pitchers.

Carrasco continued his strong performance in 2018, posting a 17–10 record with a 3.38 ERA and 231 strikeouts in 192 innings. On December 6, 2018, he signed a four-year contract extension through the 2022 season with a club option for 2023.

Comeback Player of the Year (2019)

On June 5, 2019, Carrasco was placed on the injured list after being diagnosed with a blood condition. On July 6, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a treatable form of leukemia. He was activated from the injured list on August 28 and made his first appearance since the diagnosis on September 1, pitching an inning in relief against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Despite the health challenge, Carrasco made 12 starts that season, posting a 6–7 record with a 5.29 ERA and 96 strikeouts across 80 innings. Following the season, he was named the 2019 American League Comeback Player of the Year and also received the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the MLB player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and individual contribution to their team.

In the shortened 2020 season with the Cleveland Indians, Carrasco appeared in 12 games, compiling a 3–4 record with a 2.91 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 68 innings pitched.

New York Mets (2021–2023)

On January 7, 2021, the Indians traded Carrasco along with Francisco Lindor to the New York Mets for Amed Rosario, Andrés Giménez, Josh Wolf, and Isaiah Greene. However, his Mets tenure began with injury setbacks, as he tore his hamstring during spring training and was expected to miss six to eight weeks. He was eventually placed on the 60-day injured list and did not make his Mets debut until July 30.

His first season with the Mets was disappointing as he made only 12 starts, posting a 1–5 record with a 6.04 ERA and 50 strikeouts across 53 and two-thirds innings. After the season, it was revealed that he had been pitching with a bone fragment in his elbow, which required surgery in October 2021.

The 2022 season saw a significant turnaround. After starting 4–1 in his first eight appearances, Carrasco earned his 100th career win on July 30 with a 4–0 shutout against the Miami Marlins. He finished the season with a 15–7 record, 3.97 ERA, and 152 strikeouts across 152 innings pitched in 29 starts. The Mets exercised his $14 million option for the 2023 season.

The 2023 season proved challenging as Carrasco made 20 starts with a 3–8 record and 6.80 ERA. He was placed on waivers by the Mets on August 29 but was not claimed, and he became a free agent following the season.

Cleveland Guardians Return (2024)

On February 1, 2024, Carrasco signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians, returning to the organization where he had spent the majority of his career. He made the team’s Opening Day roster after an announcement on March 22. In 21 starts for Cleveland, he compiled a 3–10 record and 5.64 ERA with 89 strikeouts over 103 and two-thirds innings. He was designated for assignment on September 17, cleared waivers, and was outrighted to Triple-A Columbus on September 20 before electing free agency on October 21.

New York Yankees (2025)

On February 3, 2025, Carrasco signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees. He made the team’s Opening Day roster after his contract was selected on March 22. He made his Yankees debut on March 29, pitching two innings against the Milwaukee Brewers and receiving a no-decision. He earned his first win as a Yankee on April 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitching five and one-third innings and striking out five batters in a 9–7 victory.

In eight appearances including six starts for the Yankees, Carrasco posted a 2–2 record with a 5.91 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 32 innings. He was designated for assignment on May 6, cleared waivers, and was sent outright to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 8. He was added back to the roster on June 1 but was designated for assignment two days later, then sent outright again.

Atlanta Braves (2025–Present)

On July 28, 2025, the Yankees traded Carrasco to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations. In three starts for Atlanta, he struggled to a 9.88 ERA with nine strikeouts across 13 and two-thirds innings. He was designated for assignment on August 14 but elected free agency on August 16. The following day, he re-signed with Atlanta on a minor league contract.

On November 8, 2025, Carrasco re-signed with the Braves on a new minor league contract. His contract was selected on April 23, 2026, beginning a pattern of being added to and removed from the roster multiple times over the following weeks due to roster adjustments. He appeared in relief appearances while continuing his career with the organization.

Carlos Luis Carrasco Career Wins

Across his MLB career spanning from 2009 through June 2026, Carlos Luis Carrasco has accumulated 112 wins against 105 losses with a 4.22 earned run average and 1,702 career strikeouts. His most successful stretch came during his time with the Cleveland Indians from 2014 to 2019, when he established himself as one of the American League’s most consistent starters.

Cleveland Indians Highlights

Carrasco’s best seasons came with the Cleveland organization. His 2017 campaign stands out as his most successful, as he led the American League with 18 wins while posting an 18–6 record, 3.29 ERA, and 226 strikeouts in 200 innings pitched. He became only the 84th pitcher in MLB history to throw an immaculate inning on July 7, 2017, against the Detroit Tigers. The 2015 season also saw him post 14 wins with 216 strikeouts, and he took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against Tampa Bay that July.

His 2018 season included 17 wins with 231 strikeouts, and his return from leukemia in 2019 resulted in six wins and earned him AL Comeback Player of the Year honors. He earned his 100th career win on July 30, 2022, with the Mets.

Other Career Highlights

Beyond his win totals, Carrasco’s career has been defined by resilience and longevity. His ability to return from Tommy John surgery in 2012, battle back from a leukemia diagnosis in 2019, and continue pitching into his late 30s demonstrates his determination. His 2022 season with the Mets saw him return to form with 15 wins and a 3.97 ERA across 29 starts, proving he could still be an effective major league starter.

Carlos Luis Carrasco Family

Family Background and Personal Life

Carrasco became a United States citizen in August 2016. He has shared stories about his early experiences in American professional baseball, including eating Domino’s Pizza every day for 90 consecutive days during his first spring training because it was the only thing he knew how to order. The pizza company recognized his loyalty by awarding him one month of free pizza. He dedicated himself to learning English after being traded to the Indians, recognizing the importance of communication for his career and personal growth.

Carrasco has five children with his wife, Karelis. In 2010, he and his then-four-year-old daughter Camila visited children at a hospital, an experience that inspired Camila to start cutting her hair to donate to cancer patients. This family moment reflected the charitable values that would later define his community involvement.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Carrasco is heavily involved in community development and charitable work. He has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars along with time and supplies to organizations in his native Venezuela, Colombia, the United States, Africa, and beyond. His dedication to helping others earned him the 2019 Roberto Clemente Award, baseball’s highest honor for community service. As a leukemia survivor himself, he has become an advocate for cancer awareness and support programs.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked another chapter in Carrasco’s journeyman career as he joined the New York Yankees organization. After signing a minor league contract in February, he made the Opening Day roster and made his Yankees debut on March 29 against the Milwaukee Brewers. He earned his first win as a Yankee on April 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitching five and one-third innings in a 9–7 victory.

However, his time with the Yankees was marked by inconsistency as he posted a 5.91 ERA across eight appearances. He was designated for assignment on May 6 and spent time at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before returning to the major league roster in early June. Midway through the season, on July 28, the Yankees traded him to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations.

With the Braves, Carrasco struggled in three starts, posting a 9.88 ERA before being designated for assignment in August. He re-signed with Atlanta on a minor league contract and continued his career with the organization into 2026, where he has served primarily as a relief option while continuing his unprecedented MLB journey.