The Los Angeles Angels weren’t the only team to place veteran players on waivers Tuesday. As reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the New York Mets placed right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco on irrevocable waivers. If claimed, all the money owed to Carassco through the rest of his contract—a prorated portion of his $14MM salary—would transfer to his new team.
Other players currently on waivers, per sources: Yankees OF Harrison Bader, Mets RHP Carlos Carrasco, White Sox RHP Mike Clevinger, Tigers RP José Cisnero. Claims awarded in reverse order of winning percentage as of Thursday. Teams on fringes of wild-card race likely to be most… https://t.co/1kKgeo48NZ
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 29, 2023
It’s also not a given that Carrasco gets claimed. If he goes unclaimed on waivers, the Mets would keep him. Obviously, the Mets could elect to release him, but simply passing Carrasco through waivers does not automatically result in a release. Remember, at the start of the 2019 MLB season, the elimination of the August waiver trade deadline was enacted. Such a rule all but eliminates the possibility of a blockbuster trade happening following the passing of the deadline.
Carrasco, who is set to become a free agent, very likely could have thrown his last pitch in a Mets uniform, but that’s not exactly what placing him on waivers signals. At the same time, the Mets placing him on waivers could mean that the team is ready to move forward in a different direction, as Carrasco had pitched to a league-high 6.80 ERA this season. Since the All-Star break, the veteran right-hander holds a 10.24 ERA in his last eight starts.
This is a pitcher that is a season removed from making 29 starts, in which he pitched to a 3.97 ERA. So, perhaps a playoff contender could take a chance on him. While Carrasco’s stats are indicative of a pitcher who should have lost their rotation turn a long time ago, the Mets have consistently sent him out there every fifth day. That’s what makes this move shocking. It seemed as if the Mets were willing to go down with the Carlos Carassco ship. This also could mark the end of the road for him in The Big Apple, but as we said before, that remains to be seen.
Those in the world of Major League Baseball were quick to react to the shocking Mets move:
The Guardians should absolutely claim Carlos Carrasco with the sole intention of allowing fans to give him and Terry Francona the send-off they deserve.
— Cole (@ColeLopez77) August 30, 2023
Unexpected, but it’s time. Can’t keep running the guy out there every 5th day when he can’t make it through the 3rd inning https://t.co/FMTB7kaHAC
— MetsAvenue (@MetsAvenue) August 29, 2023
Carlos Carrasco is a classy gentleman and a warrior on and off the field. It’s unfortunate his career ended this way, but if he catches on with another team and ever does pitch again at Citi, I’d more support a tribute video for him than I did for Max. #Mets #LGM
— Joshua Robert (@JoshuaRobert56) August 29, 2023
Carlos Carrasco is among my favorite Cleveland athletes of all-time. He could give up 10 ER a start and I'd still love him.
Bring. Him. Home.
— Guardians of The Land (@OurCLEGuardians) August 29, 2023
Whether Carlos Carrasco gets claimed on waivers or not, this really should be end of his time in rotation
Of note:
Mike Vasil has allowed just 5 runs in 25.2 IP over his last 4 starts in Triple-A
Mets could use last month to get Vasil prepped for a shot at the 2024 rotation
— Danny Abriano (@DannyAbriano) August 29, 2023
I know Cookie hasn't been good but I still feel bad…he's one of the good guys https://t.co/ogEFJiyjq2
— MercyRogi 🇵🇷⚾️🇵🇷⚾️ (@JTsMomma2Juan0) August 29, 2023
