Louis DeLuca / Associated Press
Corey Kluber will get a fresh start after agreeing a deal with the New York Yankees on Friday.
The deal depends on a physical amount according to ESPNs Jeff Passan. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports Kluber’s one-year deal is worth $ 11 million.
Kluber played just one innings with the Texas Rangers in 2020 before suffering a Grade 2 strain of the teres major muscle. The shoulder injury closed him out for the rest of the season after he traded for Delino DeShields and Emmanuel Clase in December.
His time in Texas resulted in only three batsmen being confronted with no runs allowed.
The Rangers turned down his $ 18 million option for 2021 and instead paid the $ 1 million buyout when he beat the free agency.
It was the second season that had straight injuries for Kluber, who started just seven in 2019 while dealing with arm and side issues. This raises important questions about the 34-year-old’s sustainability in the future.
However, the right hand was a dominant pitcher when he was healthy, especially from 2014 to 2018 with the Cleveland Indians. He has won two Cy Young Awards over the five seasons, adding three All-Star picks and one ERA title.
Kluber had an 83-45 record during this stretch, adding a 2.85 ERA, 1,016 WHIP and 10.1 strikeouts per nine overs.
The hope is that he will be at full strength again by the start of next season.
If he could copy anywhere near his previous production, the Yankees would have gotten a free agent.
New York needs a depth in 2021, and Kluber could provide a lot of help next season if he can stay healthy.