Carrasco gets $47M, four-year deal from Indians

CLEVELAND — Carlos Carrasco’s career has taken some dramatic turns, rerouted by elbow surgery, a therapeutic trip to the bullpen and several freakish injuries.

He persevered, blossoming into a special pitcher — and person — for the Cleveland Indians.

They’re going to keep him around.

The three-time AL Central champions and Carrasco agreed Thursday to a $47 million, fouryear contract, a deal that includes $37.25 million in new guaranteed money and could keep him in a Cleveland uniform through the 2023 season.

Carrasco, who has won 35 games over the past two seasons, will make $9.75 million next season, the same as his prior deal, and $10.25 million in 2020 — the same amount as the club’s previous option for that season. The Indians added on two more seasons at $12 million each, and Cleveland holds a 2023 option for $14 million with a $3 million buyout.

For the cash-conscious Indians, the 31-year-old Carrasco is invaluable.

He’s a core member of one of baseball’s best rotations, which could be changed this winter if the Indians trade either two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber or All-Star Trevor Bauer to address outfield needs.

“As we looked at the continuity of our rotation, we feel Carlos can continue to be a key cog in that,” Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said.

Carrasco went 17-10 with a 3.38 ERA in 30 starts last season, finishing with a career-high 231 strikeouts as the Indians became the first team to have four pitchers reach 200 strikeouts in the same season.