Hal Steinbrenner’s recent roster changes sparked disapproval among Yankees enthusiasts when they signed the 37-year pitcher Carlos Carrasco to a minor league contract. Some fans labeled it as “dumpster diving.” Carlos struggled as a starter in the last few seasons for the New York Mets and Cleveland Guardians with a record of 3-10 wins and a 5.64 ERA over 103 2/3 innings. The Yankees look to compete in the AL East with this move seen as a calculated risk that hints at underlying problems in how the team constructs its roster.

Carrasco, who turns 38 in March, has seen a notable decline in performance over the past few years. His time with the Mets in 2023 was short-lived because of a 6.80 ERA but Cleveland gave him another chance. From being a reliable starter to struggling with his velocity and strikeouts in games, concerns have started to mount about his future in the sport. While signing him on a league deal doesn’t pose a financial risk, fans have expressed their skepticism about this move, especially after a disappointing 2024 season.

Carrasco’s signing a smart depth move or cause for a bigger problem?

This MondayMLB analyst JackCurryYes posted Yankees’ new signing information on X. He wrote “Carlos Carrasco has signed a minor league deal with the Yankees. He was 3-10 with a 5.64 ERA in 103 2/3 innings with Cleveland last season. Carrasco turns 38 in March,” creating a wave on social media with many critics calling it “Dumpster diving.” 

Steinbrenner’s strategy for assembling the team has faced scrutiny for quite some time. Critics claim that the Yankees tend to focus on cost-cutting measures rather than making high-caliber acquisitions. This offseason, the Yankees baseball scene missed out on several targets such as Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. Although the Yankees recruited Marcus Stroman into their fold, doubts linger on whether their pitching rotation is strong enough for a serious challenge in the competitive AL East.

Furthermore, the Yankees have faced criticism earlier for seeking out pitchers at discounted prices. They’ve tried signing struggling veterans like Corey Kluber and James Paxton despite their struggles with inconsistent outcomes. While Carrasco could serve as organizational depth, his signing highlights the team’s lack of urgency in addressing its starting pitching concerns. And fans have grown more frustrated.

Yankees fans’ frustrations grow after another low-risk gamble

“Yankees love those Mets scraps bahahahaha, ” A fan playfully teases the Yankees for their trend of bringing in ex-Mets players frequently. Suggesting that the New York American League team often opts for players who have moved on or are no longer at their peak from their neighboring rivals. The comment is directed towards the Yankees’ addition of Carlos Carrasco who faced challenges with the Mets before going to Cleveland. The laughter at the end emphasizes the sarcastic tone, suggesting that the Yankees’ reliance on ex-Mets players is amusing or indicative of poor roster decisions.

Another user mocked the Yankees’ Brian Cashman’s habit of making low-cost acquisitions by remarking, “Classic cash shopping in dented can aisle” referring to it as shopping in a grocery store’s “dented can” aisle—where discounted, damaged goods are sold. The phrase implies that the Yankees are scavenging for depth by settling for players who may be past their prime rather than aggressively improving their roster.

“Cashman,” remarked another fan. The remark playfully pokes fun at Brian Cashman by comparing him to someone rummaging through a trash bin and implying that the Yankees GM consistently opts for overlooked low-risk deals such as the addition of Carlos Carrasco of actively chasing after high-caliber talent. This satirical comment highlights the perception that the Yankees are cutting corners in their roster-building approach, opting for bargain-bin finds.

The commenter expresses frustration with Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman’s approach to team building, questioning why they tend to make only a few notable signings each offseason before seemingly backing off from pursuing any impactful additions. This strategy often leaves the Yankees with an inconsistent roster, lacking the high-end talent necessary to compete for championships. Fans feel that while a few good signings like Gerrit Cole or Anthony Rizzo may provide some hope, the lack of sustained action and bold moves leaves the team vulnerable, especially as other AL East teams strengthen their rosters.

The Yankees fan expresses disappointment with the team’s handling of pitching, specifically criticizing what they see as poor decision-making in acquiring and developing arms. This feeling is shared with many fans who believe the Yankees have missed several opportunities to strengthen their lineups. The frustration was amplified with the Yankees’ recent inability to compete with the pitching depth being built by rivals like the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and the Blue Jays, who have made more aggressive moves this year.

While division rivals make bold acquisitions to strengthen their rotations, the Yankees’ reluctance to make substantial pitching investments leaves fans concerned. Until they address their pitching depth more aggressively, the team’s championship aspirations may remain hindered.