When the Yankees signed Carlos Carrasco to a minor-league contract in early February, there was no expectation of him appearing in the Opening Day rotation. But the door suddenly opened in camp, and the veteran right-hander walked straight through.

Defying the odds with an impressive spring training, the Yankees plan to add Carrasco to their 40-man roster on Saturday, according to YES Network's Jack Curry, in a move that all but guarantees him appearances in the Bronx for the foreseeable future.

The Yankees were running out of time to make a decision, as Carrasco's minor league deal included an opt-out clause that he could've triggered if he wasn't selected to the roster. If the 38-year-old had opted out, the team would've then been given 48 hours to either add him or allow him to become a free agent.

Carrasco didn't make the situation the least bit complicated. He's posted a stellar 1.69 ERA through five spring appearances, and struck out 15 batters across 16 innings. The encouraging performances can be attributed to offseason adjustments to his mechanics and arm slot.

While the roster spot was well-earned by Carrasco, the Yankees were in no position to pass on his services. The team is entering the 2025 season without Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) and Luis Gil (lat strain), plus Clarke Schmidt (shoulder fatigue) is expected to begin the campaign on the injured list.

New York can only hope that Carrasco's spring success translates against the best major league talent. His 2024 season with the Cleveland Guardians was underwhelming, as he logged a bloated 5.64 ERA in 21 starts (103.2 innings). The results in 2023 were even worse -- he produced a ghastly 6.80 ERA in 20 starts for the Mets.

If the improvements to his arsenal are legitimate, Carrasco has a chance to resemble more of his 2022 self. That year in Queens, he recorded 29 starts -- his highest mark since 2018 -- striking out 152 batters in as many innings with a respectable 3.97 ERA.

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