Louis DeLuca / Associated Press
Corey Kluber will start again after closing a deal with the New York Yankees on Friday.
The deal is pending physical examination, according to the Jeff Passan. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that Kluber’s one-year deal is worth $ 11 million.
Kluber threw just one entry in 2020 with the Texas Rangers before suffering a Grade 2 strain the greater teres muscle. The shoulder injury closed him off for the rest of the season after he was acquired in a December exchange for Delino DeShields and Emmanuel Clase.
His time in Texas resulted in only three hitters facing zero permitted runs.
The Rangers declined his $ 18 million option for 2021, instead paying the $ 1 million purchase when he reached the free agency.
It was the second season in a row full of injuries for Kluber, who made just seven appearances in 2019 while dealing with arm and oblique problems. This creates significant question marks about the 34-year model’s durability in the future.
The right-handed has been a dominant pitcher when healthy, however, especially from 2014 to 2018 with the Cleveland Indians. He has won two Cy Young Awards during these five seasons, adding three All-Star selections and an ERA title.
Kluber had a record of 83-45 during this stretch, adding 2.85 ERA, 1.016 WHIP and 10.1 eliminations for nine entries.
The hope is that he will return in full force at the beginning of next season.
If he can replicate anywhere near his previous production, the Yankees will have obtained a theft from the free agency.
New York needs pitch depth in 2021, and Kluber can provide great help next season if he stays healthy.