The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Carrasco signs new deal with Tribe
Last year of deal with starter is a club option; extension is worth $37.25 million
Carlos Carrasco, barring a trade, signed a new contract Dec. 6 that gives the 31-year-old righthanded pitcher the chance to finish his career with the Indians.
The deal keeps Carrasco in Indians control through 2022 with a club option for 2023. The extension, which kicks in 2021, is worth $37.25 million.
“What this does is provide us additional continuity in the rotation beyond 2020,” Indians president Chris Antonetti said on a conference call. “Carlos was previously under contract for two seasons. We effectively left this year alone, exercised the option in 2020 and then added new years beyond that. This move is indicative of a continued investment by ownership and our team and the desire to continue to remain a very competitive team as we look forward.”
Carrasco will make $9.75 million in 2019 and $9.5 million in 2020.
It is unclear how signing Carrasco effects the bigger story looming around the Indians – whether Antonetti will trade a starting pitcher to repair holes in the outfield and bullpen. Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer could be traded during the baseball winter meetings next week.
“This move is indicative of a continued investment by ownership and our team and the desire to continue to remain a very competitive team as we look forward.”
— Chris Antonetti, Indians president