As we approach the New Year, Hiroki Kuroda stands as one of the most attractive starters remaining on the open market. The possibilities for Kuroda seemed to be rather limited when the offseason began but are now wide open.
The hurler’s stated preference for remaining in Los Angeles led to him blocking deals that would have shipped him to a contender over the summer. Even though Kuroda wanted to work out a new deal with the Dodgers, their financial restrictions led them to spend elsewhere and sign Chris Capuano to a highly back loaded deal.
Now, Kuroda is reportedly willing to listen to offers from all suitors, though it seems that he would prefer to remain on the West Coast. The right-hander is after a $12-$13MM annual salary and at his age (37 in February), he won’t be seeking a long-term commitment.
The Yankees and Red Sox, two teams who were pushing for him in July, are said to be in the mix. The Diamondbacks and Rockies would each like to keep him in the NL West, though both clubs are budget-conscious as they look for a starter. Kuroda was reportedly close to signing somewhere last week but all of the aforementioned teams plus the Rangers and Mariners said that it wasn’t with them. Of course, there’s always the possibility that he’ll make his long-rumored return to the Hiroshima Carp. So, where do you see Kuroda landing?
Angels as their #5 for 1 year.
People who don’t follow the club probably can’t see this happening, but Kuroda on a 1 or 2-year deal would be perfect for the Royals right now. Use that Meche money, Dayton.
Agree, an impact SP on a 1-2 year deal would be perfect for them.
The Royals with all their prospects and young talent could very easily sneak into the wide open AL Central race. And they have the bullets to pull off a deadline deal for a star if they do end up close.
Look, I am all for the Orioles signing Kuroda. The one thing is that I don’t know how Kuroda and his agent can justify asking for more money than Chris Carpenter!
Chris has a more successful career than Kuroda! Carpenter also has two W/S rings
(2006 and 2011). Plus, he took on Doc Halladay in the playoffs and beat him at his own game 1 to 0 in the final game of the Phillies/ Cards Division Series.
Carpenter signed for a 2yr / 21m dollar deal, maybe he (Carpenter) gave them a hometown discount, still how can Kuroda ask and get more than Carpenter is beyond me!
I hope you’re just being sarcastic but…
Those two aren’t even comparable — Carpenter isn’t even available.
Just because a player signed for x amount of dollars, doesn’t mean he is worth that amount.
In Kuroda’s case, a one year deal at around 12 mil is definitely reasonable and can even be considered “cheap”.
Carlos Silva signed for 48 mil/4 years. Kuroda is better, so he deserves more right? No — that’s a logical fallacy.
I don’t know why you are comparing Kuroda to the whole Cardinals team, but you are. Kuroda didn’t beat Halladay in the playoffs? Nope. But neither did Carp. The Cardinals did. Kuroda didn’t happen to play on a team that won the World Series? That isn’t his fault. Carp didn’t win a WS either. The Cardinals did though…
Hiroshima Carp.
Yea I was under the impression that Kuroda was retiring from US baseball and was going to Japan to finish his career.
He supposedly already has an offer from the Carp, so that’s how I voted. He’d come home as a conquering hero. That’s got to have an appeal. If Kuroda-san signs anywhere outside the NLW I’d be happy for him. I will always have the memory of being at his last game pitching at home as a Dodger. It was a doozy.
Mystery Team is a lock for Kuroda
Yomiuri Giants???
the 7% who vote for dodgers are dreaming. he not coming back and if he did ill be shock. because if they wanted him back they would of sign him already and not two guys who are good but are no kuroda
the time has finally com for th New York Yankees…the combination of their bad contracts and the new CBA has brought the Yankee monster to an end…since they refuse to get the pitching they need now they will not make the playoffs until after the Jeter contract expires…No Yu No Danks No Kuroda….No playoffs for all the brains they have discussing the future of the organization in the front office they seem to make the wrong move a lot…The Arod and Jeter deals are killing the Yankees now…No Kuroda no playoffs empty seats and higher ticket prices…Thank you Yankees…
Not understanding how 27% have voted that the BoSox will sign Kuroda. The guy would cost upward of $10MM per season, and we are not going to spend that much on “everyone” we acquire this offseason, much less a single pitcher. I look for the Sox to sign one or two pitchers to MILB or split level contracts, perhaps make a trade for a reliever, and perhaps a waiver wire/MILB free agent pick up. Cost of no more than $5MM total; probably closer to $2MM in reality.