Yankees’ bet on Carrasco proves a smart move as 38-year-old finds ‘power’ back

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While the quest for eternal youth remains elusive, Carlos Carrasco appears to have discovered something potentially more valuable in baseball terms: renewed arm strength. The veteran right-hander’s early showings at Yankees camp suggest his intensive offseason preparation could mark the beginning of a career renaissance.

Recently secured on a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, Carrasco aims to establish himself as a valuable rotation asset. The seasoned pitcher’s months-long dedication to refining his mechanical approach has produced encouraging results, particularly evident in his fastball velocity, which has shown marked improvement from the previous season.

Though Carrasco recognizes that velocity alone won’t secure his position with the Yankees, the early improvements have bolstered his confidence level.

“I felt kind of stuck a little bit when I was pushing myself, so I didn’t have the power in my arm to throw,” Carrasco explained. “But now that I’ve been working for literally almost four months, it’s getting there.”

As he prepares to embark on his 16th major league campaign, Carrasco maintains an unwavering belief in his ability to contribute meaningfully at the highest level.

Mechanical refinements show early promise

At 37, Carrasco fully comprehends the challenges facing veteran pitchers in an era increasingly dominated by power arms and sustained excellence. His 2024 season with the Cleveland Guardians proved challenging, resulting in a 5.64 ERA across 21 starts. His fastball velocity averaged 91.6 mph, with opponents taking advantage by posting a .337 batting average and a .554 slugging percentage against the pitch.

Following Cleveland’s elimination by the Yankees in the ALCS, Carrasco immediately initiated a comprehensive overhaul of his pitching mechanics, focusing specifically on delivery optimization and pitch effectiveness. His primary emphasis has centered on maintaining better balance throughout his motion, enabling enhanced power generation and consistency.

Monday’s live batting practice session at the Yankees’ player development complex provided tangible evidence of progress. Even without the additional adrenaline of game competition, Carrasco’s fastball consistently registered between 92-93 mph, marking a significant improvement from his 2024 averages.

This measurable increase in both velocity and movement has reinforced Carrasco’s conviction about his continued viability in the major leagues.

“I feel [I have] a lot left,” Carrasco affirmed. “To be honest with you—thank you for bringing that up—but I’m going to be 38 years old. But I’ve proven to myself in the last live BP that I can go more than that. My pitches are still moving a lot, too.”

Understanding the Yankees’ investment

Despite Carrasco’s recent struggles, the Yankees identified value in acquiring a pitcher with demonstrated success at the major league level. His 15-year MLB career has produced impressive numbers: 1,548 strikeouts, a 4.04 career ERA, and multiple seasons of high-level performance.

His familiarity with Tampa, where he has maintained an offseason residence for two decades, made the Yankees an ideal landing spot. Beyond geographical convenience, Carrasco joins an organization that prioritizes pitching depth, potentially positioning himself for a significant role depending on how the rotation situation evolves.

The Yankees enter spring training with six established major league starters competing for five rotation spots, while Marcus Stroman’s uncertain status could create additional opportunities. Though Will Warren and JT Brubaker also contend for roles, Carrasco’s experience and velocity improvements could elevate him into serious consideration.

Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the positive early indicators, emphasizing how Carrasco’s experience and mechanical adjustments could impact the team’s pitching strategy.

“We’ll see what we have as we continue to move forward,” Boone stated. “But if he has a little more power back in there, obviously the track record speaks for itself.”

Evaluating Carrasco’s role potential

While Carrasco’s Opening Day roster status remains uncertain, the Yankees’ rotation depth considerations keep him firmly in contention for a contributing role. The current rotation projects are as follows:

• Gerrit Cole – The staff ace and reigning AL Cy Young winner
• Max Fried – A premier offseason acquisition expected to dominate
• Carlos Rodón – Seeking redemption after an injury-plagued 2024
• Clarke Schmidt – Entering a crucial developmental season
• Luis Gil – A high-ceiling talent returning from injury

Should Stroman depart via trade, the Yankees would require additional pitching depth—potentially creating an opportunity for Carrasco. Continued demonstration of improved velocity and command could position him as either a rotation depth piece or a long relief option.

Looking ahead

As spring training games approach, Carrasco faces the challenge of translating his mechanical improvements into game performance. While early velocity readings encourage optimism, he must demonstrate sustained command, durability, and effectiveness against competition.

The Yankees’ minimal-risk investment in Carrasco could yield significant returns if his offseason preparations continue to show results, potentially providing them with a seasoned arm capable of stepping into multiple roles when needed.

Experience meets opportunity

Carrasco’s path back to major league relevance remains in its early stages, but his dedication to mechanical refinement and velocity enhancement presents an intriguing narrative as spring training progresses. Though his ultimate role with the Yankees remains undefined, his early work suggests a player determined to prove his continuing value.

As the Yankees assess their pitching depth, Carrasco’s combination of experience and renewed approach could prove invaluable. While the coming weeks will prove decisive, one aspect appears certain: Carlos Carrasco’s commitment to earning another opportunity at the highest level remains unwavering.

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