Here's the latest on Hiroki Kuroda, who can now add the Red Sox to his growing list of suitors. The newest items are at the top of the page…
- Kuroda isn't limiting his choices to the Yankees or a return to Japan, reports Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. "I never said anything like that," Kuroda explains, adding that he is open to several options and hasn't yet made any decisions. (Both links go to Hernandez's Twitter account.)
- Several teams are interested in Kuroda and some have discussed two-year contracts, reports Dylan Hernandez. The Dodgers are among the teams who have contacted Kuroda's representatives at the Octagon agency. (Both links to Twitter.)
- Kuroda is the Dodgers' "top choice" for the pitching staff, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The Dodgers are checking in on most of the top free agent arms this offseason though Kuroda is a known quantity, having pitched for L.A. in his first four years in the majors.
- While Kuroda is open to signing a one-year contract, such a deal would have to "significantly" top the Yankees' one-year, $13.3MM qualifying offer, a source tells Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe (Twitter link).
Does anyone know if there’s a specific time when he has to accept or decline the Yankees’ qualifying offer?
I assume 5PM EST considering that was the deadline last week for teams to give out qualifying offers. If not, then maybe 11:59 PM
I hope he rejoins the Yankees.
I’m dreaming a bit here, but suppose Norichika Aoki gave Kuroda a call? Aoki fit in so well last year with Brewers it was amazing. Kuroda fills a need for a top of the order guy on a short term deal that Brewers are looking for.
aoki and kuroda went to WBC together but thats it. they dont have that much friendship going on there.
The Rangers would be mad not to make a serious offer to him! A veteran japanese MLB pitcher with a good track record and very good stuff to play in that ballpark. Who also happens to be a workhorse, even at his age, while also being a mentor to Yu. If I were the, I would consider a strong 3yr offer.
When all is said and done, it seems possible that Kuroda will end up being the most successful Japanese pitcher ever in the US. Nomo was great, but flamed out too quickly. Jury’s still out on Matsusaka, but he hasn’t foud any consistency.
That said, a two-year deal or a bigger one-year than the qualifying offer? Plus a draft pick? I think the price is too high- not that any price is too high for the Dodgers, seemingly.
Maybe, but Nomo nearly reached 2,000 innings and he had really a pretty underrated career.
the problem with nomo was he still pitched even though he had bad shoulders. he loved baseball and he loved to pitch. he is my hero
Would be cool if the Yankees got him back on a 1-2 year deal. They could always move him at the deadline for a piece due to Pineda returning. Though that’d rely heavily on Pineda getting back to proper form.
Kuroda has enough leverage that a no-trade clause is more than a certainty. He flexed in 2011 come to think of it.
I suppose so. I’ll just stick to my ps3, being a gm is much easier there. Lol
I’m with ya. Especially when GTAV gets here 😀
Classic
Kuroda is coming back to the Dodgers, quit dreamin
Not surprised that the Dodgers called in now that ownership has changed. As for the Yankees, I think that they may have to add a second year at least as a vesting option.
I’m hoping the Yankees are stupid enough not to offer him more than 1 year 13 million. The Red Sox could definitely top that offer.