Carlos Carrasco On Pitching In New York: “It’s Really Fun”

While Francisco Lindor is the highlight of the Mets’ trade this afternoon, pitcher Carlos Carrasco is almost as important of a piece to get in return.

Just before the press conference announcing the trade took place, Carrasco–nicknamed Cookie–joined MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM for his reaction to the trade.

The 34-year-old says he found out he was leaving Cleveland when Francisco Lindor called him and said, “Hey, Cookie, we’re leaving together!”

He told the radio show he is excited to “enjoy a new team, a new community, a new family” and that “it’s a big opportunity to play for the New York Mets.”

Carrasco said he and his family are excited about the upcoming chapter in their life, and expressed that pitching in New York City (when he played the Yankees) is “really fun.”

“I can’t wait to see the fans back in the stadium cheering for us,” Carrasco said noting the raucous crowds he saw on TV during the World Series in 2015.

Mets fans are going to like Carlos Carrasco pic.twitter.com/M1NNpwZINn

— Metsmerized (@Metsmerized) January 7, 2021

Carrasco had been with Cleveland for the last 12 years, missing the 2012 season due to Tommy John surgery and also part of the 2019 while being treated for leukemia.

He made a triumphant return later in the ’19 season making 11 appearances out of the bullpen.

Carrasco was also a finalist for the Roberto Clemente Award for his contributions to the community in 2019.

In addition to great players, the Mets added some top personalities and people from Clevelands’ baseball team this afternoon.