Why Carlos Carrasco left Braves to sign with KBO's LG Twins in South Korea

The Atlanta Braves no longer have 17-year MLB veteran Carlos Carrasco as an option in their bullpen. 

On Wednesday, the Korea Baseball Organization's LG Twins announced that the right-hander signed a contract for the remainder of the season. 

Amazingly, the Braves designated Carrasco for assignment seven times over the past year. Following each DFA, the 39-year-old cleared waivers, elected free agency, and signed a minor league contract with Atlanta. 

Why is Carrasco transitioning his professional baseball career, which began in 2009 with the Cleveland Guardians, to South Korea? 

Carrasco lands $360K contract with Twins 

According to Yoo Jee-ho of Yonhap News Agency, Carrasco's contract with the Twins is for $360,000. That's a much higher guarantee than minor league deals. 

He replaces former MLB reliever Yacksel Rios on LG's roster. The Twins recently released Rios from his contract. 

MORE: Phillies ‘would love’ to trade for Mets reliever Luke Weaver

Carrasco emerged as a top starter in the American League during his time with the Guardians, finishing fourth in the 2017 AL Cy Young Award voting. 

Since his final season with the New York Mets in 2023, he made a return to the Guardians in 2024 before brief stops with the New York Yankees and Braves. 

More MLB news:

• Braves injury update on Spencer Strider has execs ‘pessimistic’ about a 2026 return
• Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani injury update essentially ends Cy Young chances
• White Sox have strong interest in Mets’ Clay Holmes with scout attending rehab assignment
• Yankees send scouts to Cubs vs. Twins series amid trade interest in three players
• MLB execs believe Padres will trade Mason Miller at trade deadline