3) Carlos Carrasco
Slightly more removed from Mets history but by only a year, Carlos Carrasco willingly took a split contract last year from the Cleveland Guardians. He ended up making the Opening Day roster, earning $2 million for the year. It was a huge pay cut from the $14 million he was paid the year before by the Mets on a deal he originally signed as a member of Cleveland.
Carrasco’s best years are far behind him as we witnessed in year one and three as a member of the Mets. Oddly, his 2022 season was a blast from the past with Carrasco going 15-7 with a 3.97 ERA. His other two seasons in New York included lengthy IL stints and ERAs over 6.00. He did lower it to 5.64 last year for the Guardians while making 21 starts before, yet again, the injury bug bit him.
A connection to Carrasco from the past makes it sensible that they, of all teams, might bring him in. Unless they’re going to do it again with Cookie, who turns 38 in March, it’s hard to envision any team using a roster spot of any kind on him. He isn’t going to cut it as a reliever. Could a minor league contract fall his way? It’s only happening if his passion for playing the game continues to call him.
Athletes can have a tough time knowing when to call it a day. Carrasco’s best years are way behind him. Relax a bit. You beat cancer. Enjoy retired life.