Full Breakdown
Braves Re-Sign Veteran Pitcher Carlos Carrasco to Minor-League Deal
5/9/2026, 5:10:49 AM
Core Move and Context
The Atlanta Braves have again designated right-hander Carlos Carrasco for assignment and subsequently re-signed him to a minor-league contract. Carrasco, a 39-year-old veteran of 17 major-league seasons, was acquired from the New York Yankees during the 2025 season and has been used as depth for the rotation and bullpen. His latest DFA occurred when reliever Raisel Iglesias returned from the injured list, prompting the club to clear a roster spot before bringing Carrasco back.
Recent Performance and Statistics
In 2025 Carrasco logged 2.1 major-league innings, allowing one hit and no runs (ERA 0.00). Last season he posted a 9.88 ERA over 13.2 innings. At Triple-A Gwinnett he has worked 21 innings, surrendering four earned runs (ERA 1.71). His career record stands at 112-105 with a 4.22 ERA across 268 starts.
Official Response
The Braves confirmed the transaction via their media channels. Grant McAuley reported on X that the club “re-signed veteran RHP Carlos Carrasco to a minor league deal” after clearing a spot for Iglesias.
Analyst Viewpoint
Analysts argue Carrasco’s age and reduced velocity confine him to low-leverage, long-relief duties. Heavy.com noted he “likely just a long relief option in low-leverage spots” and questioned the value of repeatedly re-signing a pitcher with limited recent success.
Conflicting Assessments
One view cites Carrasco’s 0.00 ERA in a tiny sample as a useful buffer, while another points to his 9.88 ERA last year as evidence of limited effectiveness. The club has not set a timeline for a potential September promotion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The #Braves re-signed veteran RHP Carlos Carrasco to a minor league deal. He was DFA'ed on Tuesday when Raisel Iglesias was activated from the injured list,” — Grant McAuley, X
- “The Atlanta Braves have been working the system with starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco, consistently DFAing him to clear waivers and then re-signing him on minor-league deals.” — ClutchPoints, article
- “1 innings for the Braves this season, allowing just one hit.” — ClutchPoints, article
- “He’s likely just a long relief option in low-leverage spots, as Carlos Carrasco is now 39-years-old, and doesn’t have the stuff he used to anymore.” — Heavy.com, analysis
- “1 innings at the MLB level, but he did not give up a run in that small sample, which could give Atlanta some added buffer in terms of how they utilize the pitching staff.” — Heavy.com, analysis
Future Outlook
Carrasco will report to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he remains a primary option should another arm land on the injured list. The Braves, positioned atop the NL East with a 26-12 record, could consider promoting him in September as the roster expands and the team eyes a World Series run.
