JAN. 27: The Yankees have made the Kluber signing official.
JAN. 15, 7:49pm: It’s a one-year, $11MM pact, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. That comes in just a bit south of MLBTR’s one-year, $12MM prediction.
7:37pm: It’s a done deal, pending a physical, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tweets. Kluber will earn upward of $10MM, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
7:27pm: The Yankees are finalizing a contract with free-agent right-hander Corey Kluber, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com (Talkin Jake first reported the deal). Details aren’t known yet. Kluber is a client of Jet Sports Management.
After a couple of quiet months, the Yankees have certainly been active on Friday. Hours before the Kluber news came down, they made major progress toward re-signing star second baseman DJ LeMahieu for six years and $90MM. The 34-year-old Kluber won’t pull in that type of contract, but as a two-time American League Cy Young winner, he’s clearly a high-profile pickup for a Yankees team in need of help in their rotation.
During his peak years in Cleveland from 2014-18, Kluber averaged about 218 innings per season and combined for a stellar 2.85 ERA/2.99 SIERA with a 28.5 percent strikeout rate and a paltry 5.2 percent walk rate. There was no reason to expect a drop-off heading into 2019, but Kluber hasn’t been the same since then. He threw 35 2/3 innings in the first few weeks of that season and was tattooed by opposing offenses, who totaled 23 earned runs on 44 hits and 15 walks (38 strikeouts) against Kluber before he succumbed to a fractured right forearm on May 1. That proved to be Kluber’s final outing with Cleveland, which traded him to the Rangers for reliever Emmanuel Clase and outfielder Delino DeShields in December 2019.
Texas was banking on a rebound effort from Kluber, but it essentially received no contributions from him. He threw just one inning in his first start last season before exiting with shoulder tightness, and Kluber never took the mound again for the Rangers. The Rangers then declined Kluber’s $18MM option for 2021 in favor of a $1MM buyout, making him a free agent. That left Kluber to try to prove to clubs he was back to health, and he made that effort Wednesday with a showcase that the majority of major league teams attended. Kluber’s fastball topped out around 90 mph during that session, down a bit from his typical 91-92 range but not enough to scare away the Yankees.
Now that he’s on his way to the Bronx, Kluber will continue to work with Yankees director of health and performance Eric Cressey, who – as Joel Sherman of the New York Post notes – has been overseeing the former ace’s shoulder rehab. Kluber is also quite familiar with Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake, Cleveland’s ex-pitching coordinator and assistant director of pitching development.
The Yankees entered the offseason facing the potential loss of veteran righty Masahiro Tanaka, who remains a free agent. Reports have indicated the Yankees have not been aggressive in trying to re-sign Tanaka, so Kluber could end up as his replacement. At the moment, he’s a lock to be part of a season-opening rotation led by ace Gerrit Cole. The Yankees should get Luis Severino back from February 2020 Tommy John surgery at some point, though he probably won’t be ready to begin the season. So, barring other acquisitions, Deivi Garcia, Jordan Montgomery, Domingo German, Clarke Schmidt, Michael King and Jhoulys Chacin look as if they’ll be among those vying for starting jobs behind Cole and Kluber during the spring.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Why? I was hoping to see Kluber with Cleveland or Tampa Bay. Anyways, good luck with the Yankees. He was definitely a great pitcher for Cleveland.
Probably bc they want pitching depth!?
Why? Why wouldn’t they, they’re in need a starting pitcher, he is low cost and high reward
Cheap. Low Risk. Highest upside of any non-Trevor Bauer pitcher left on the market. Even at 75% of his former level he’s probably still in the top 5 of the starting pitchers left on the free agent market.
Low risk? The guy hasn’t really pitched in years due to health issues, he’s one the riskiest options on the market. High upside is why he’s getting signed, but injury history and age sure don’t suggest low risk.
Low risk will depend on the contract.
Low risk. He only costs cash and its not a significant amount of cash. If he sucks then he’s gone. Poof.
The cheap plays into the low-risk, fella. 11 MM is a drop in the bucket for most clubs, especially the evil empire. Want to use the narrative he hasn’t really pitched in years, sure go ahead, but then be prepared for people to remind you that also means his arm has had tons of time to recover, with far less mileage on it, had he been healthy all this time and pitching full 2oo inning seasons like he did several years in a row.
Wondering what you are thinking about this @Joe Says… .
I like it. I’ve wanted Kluber for years. Good to see the Yanks unthawing a little. I hope today is just the start of the Cashman’s honey-do list from Hal & not the fulfillment.
But even in a vacuum I find it a good signing.
Ducky.. I’m loving it. I was hoping the Yankees could have gotten him when he was with Cleveland. In hindsight, it’s good they didn’t. Should be a solid rotation piece. They do need to trade for one more though. Someone like Musgrove would be in the range of what I would expect.
Cheap?
I wouldn’t say that he’s low risk but he definitely not the riskiest option. His injury in (with) Cleveland was a freak injury (a batted ball). His shoulder injury last yr came out of nowhere as well. He’s been a workhorse his entire career.
@Joe –
Man, I’m holding out hope that Hal is merely trying to lower payroll. I’m not insensitive to his position at all.
Anyway.
Going from $250 mm to sub 210 mm in one off-season is pretty drastic. Can be done. I mean…hell…most clubs somehow find a way.
Yet I’m an entitled Yankee fan by birth. But I don’t like to consider myself unreasonable, uh.
So…hoping Hal would be “comfortable” paying the first CBT tier fine. That extra 20 mil would go a long way.
Especially this off-season.
No matter what, I really like the addition of Kluber.
No, it’s likely the end as 210 approaches. Gotta reset the penalty.
“gotta” is a pretty strong word.
Perhaps you are correct. But it just seems kinda questionable to spend so close to the limit in mid-January. Cashman has never operated like that previously.
Ya know?
Guess we’ll see.
“Lowering payroll” & “resetting the CBT tax” are not exactly the same thing.
Joe Says that would be nice also I think they may be waiting to see how long Tanaka stays available. They could probably swoop in and get him at a good price. I can’t see a team giving him more than two years. The 3/$39 Million deal that’s been suggested by the “experts” seems ridiculous. Too much risk for three years.
If Kluber gets $11 mil for one year with all the uncertainty around him, that means Tanaka should easily get at least $15 mil a year, given there are many less questions about him.
Did you really just say “unthawing”? You do know what the word thaw means? smh
Lol
It would appear so. No real idea or explanation how I decided that was a good word choice.
I shake my head synchronously with you.
Now, you’re just being silly. He is neither cheap nor low risk and he is well past having a high upside. Tis what you call desperation since the Yankees still have no credible starters beyond Gerrit Cole.
Looking forward to seeing him (hopefully) make a comeback. He won’t be prime Kluber, but I think he’s got something left in the tank. Hope he stays healthy.
@67red Saying he is well past having a high upside is a big assumption. 2018 was only 2 years ago. Look at his numbers. Now he is not likely to do THAT again, turning 35 in April, but if he is healthy, he might win 12-16 games and be quite valuable to a team that has a great offense to support him. His injury was not to a primary rotator cuff muscle, or elbow flexor. So his chance of a return to health are better than other types of injuries. I am a White Sox fan and was hoping they would be in on him… Kluber was special a few years ago, close to best in the game. If he has a good year left in him, it will make him worth at least a couple multiples of the 11 million they got him for. Not high probability, but high upside… yes. Just my opinion, we won’t know until he proves he is healthy, or not.
Thank you for a sensible response
Jordan Montgomery Deivi Garcia Domingo German Clarke Schmidt Mike King and Luis Severino around June.
If you’re going to inject facts and logic into your Kluber take, well then. Doesn’t leave anything for anyone else.
They had to replace Tanaka somehow, this may prove to be an upgrade if Kluber hits his potential
upgrade?? hits his potential?? and what would that be?? he’s gonna get smoked at Yankee Stadium. good luck
Why? Have you been living under a rock?
It’s a 1 year contract. That eliminates nearly all the risk. I love one year contracts. If you regret rolling the dice on a player you don’t have to regret it next season too. The trade off is, you have to pay a little more AAV but it’s worth it. An $11M contract is pretty low risk.
Once the Yankees got DJ locked in, it was a no brainer to get a cost effective starter. Unfortunately for Yankee fans, this is the last move they are going to make this off season unless they shed some salary.
This rotation is going to have the fans on edge of their seats given the injury history but if Cole, Kluber and Servino can get and stay healthy, that is a very potent 1-3. I like Montgomery and German as well… just…. history isn’t on their sides.
And how do you know that’s the last move? Where exactly did management state that the $210 million threshold would be a hard cap? The Yankees have at least one more move left in them
Hal Steinbrenner said exactly that….
He did, huh?
Is this something that occurred recently? Perhaps those scofflaws over at Pinstripe Alley recently reported it.
Because I’ve kept up with the Yanks off-season fairly well & I don’t recall seeing anything like that.
Huh.
I guess I can’t rule out the possibility that you are a personal friend of Hal’s. In which case, I gotta ask. Does he really have a yacht, bro?
I agree the Yankees will do something else but I hope it’s a trade because the rest of the FAs don’t really excite me. I’m hoping for Castillo from the Reds. They could send Cincy a few of those top fifteen prospects and maybe Tauchman as well.
Castillo would be a great get.
But I can get excited about Bauer. I’d find a Tanaka reunion to be exciting. As a low cost player I’d even manage a modicum of excitement about Taijuan Walker.
Noooooo the red sox are going to be bad next year again. First my patriots then the red sox. Can we please sign someone please
Bloom will sign plenty of guys. Look for failed former top prospects on their 3rd or 4th team, poor track records, on 1-3m deals.
Hey leave the Pirates out of this!
Yeah, Bloom was awful w TB, and has been bad for so long in Boston. (Insert eyeroll)
Can you stop complaining about Bloom?
why. what has he done in Boston so far besides sign scrubs especially pitchers. Probanbly not his fault though as he like just following John Henry’s orders
Poor Patriots fans. The struggle you all must be going through!
No one feels bad for Boston
They are trying to save $. No need to invest in the present. The plan is to purge this team of valuable talent for prospects. The real question is will it be next year…..or the year after.
Your team won the World Series in 2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018, so you’ve had more than enough karma from the baseball gods. If they finish in dead last every season for the rest of your life, you should still bow down, kiss their celestial cleats, and say “THANK YOU” (in all caps).
Bloom is too busy digging in the bargain bins to sign any real pitchers. One was led to believe that they were waiting on Kluber but as usual they STRUCK OUT AGAIN. Bloom looking to finish last again in 2021 so he can build from the draft just like he did in TB after SEVERAL last place finishes. Quite the genius that Mr Bloom !!
BTW–what the hell is with these damn ads when trying to post replies on here???
Come on man how does Bloom miss on ANOTHER pitcher he’s like 0 for 5 on them now
Where’s the Redsox pitching? I knew I shouldn’t hold my breath on getting hometown Kluber. Bloom is unable to get pitching. What is he doing? This infuriates me!!!!!!!
You need interest from BOTH sides.
Honestly, if you were a FA and had to choose between Boston, the way bloom has been running things, or some other team showing signs of being a legitimate contender, who would you choose?
Hint: unless you outbid and overpay beyond other ballclubs, it’s not Boston right now.
That’s fair didn’t even think about that
Based on that, I wouldn’t pick NYY or Bos.
Well bear in mind the Sox have 4 last place finishes in the past 10 years. They finished in first place the season following two of them, with 1 WS title.
(And finished last in one other with the 4th TBD)…
whadda you mean?? Sox already signed Gosset and Andreise and STOLE that guy from NY in the Rule v draft . What more do ya want Bloom to do??
Awesome!!!
They certainly need the arm. Predicting 1yr/7.5
2 /20 with a club. Incentive laden.
Good signing!
Uh oh
Yessss
Finally about time now bring back Tanaka and possibly Gardy on the cheap
Tanaka is a goner and most likely Gardy too. Frazier and Tauchman are the fourth and fifth OFer depending on how much Stanton DH’s.
Agreed. They only have about $5m under the luxury tax so I think Tanaka and Gardy are off the table.
Be tough to lose either of those players, @mlbnyyfan. Those are my two favorite players, man!
I think Tanaka is really a necessity.
Still want to see the Yanks get in on a really good reliever market, too.
We’ll see.
Lotta off-season left yet.
Gardy is a tough one. I may actually puke if I see him in another uniform. He’s the Last of the Mohicans from the old guard. I think the Yankees are done adding. They need that breathing room to make a summer trade.
Aww, man.
Just imagine something awful like Gardy playing for the Orioles. Honestly, he’d actually be a decent fit in Toronto.
Wouldn’t that be horrifying.
If 210 is a hardline then yeah. Numbers would dictate that we pretty much have to be done.
I’m not convinced that is the case, however. Cashman said that the Yankees would have the “highest payroll in baseball”.
Now, Cash lies.
I get it.
I made peace with that a long time ago, uh. I think we’ll spend more, though. I could certainly be wrong.
I would rather see a a guy like Hand over Tanaka right now…would be in the same $$ ballpark…..They have a lot of SP depth. NOT saying how good they will be, but there are a lot of options. And let’s face it, there are many question marks with the SP…..so a stronger relief corps is vital.
Yeah, that’s pretty much where I’m at.
As opposed to one Brad Hand I’m looking at Melancon as a Kahnle replacement & Watson (Cashman has tried to get him before) as that LH the Yanks seem to always want but never get.
Could probably land both for less than a combined $10 mil AAV.
As you said that’ll paper over some holes & it’s the strength of the market. I’d love to see the Yanks spring for another starter. I think the pen is a more viable path towards realistic improvement right now though.
Tanaka should be next
Definitely.
YES!, This is great, he is low cost with huge upside
$11 MM for a guy who hasn’t pitched over 35 innings in 2+ years is a good deal? LOL. Gotta love Bankees fans.
Yes because the Yankees are always hurting for money.
Big boys don’t cry, get over it diapers..
A team with deep pockets paying #3/4 starter money on someone who was recently one of the single best pitchers in the world with possibility to rebound? Yeah, that’s good.
The delusion never stops with NYY fans. Enjoy watching his 89mph fastball get lit up once a week. Lol
I think this means Tanaka isnt going to NYY. I bet Big Maple ges to TOR
I think Tanaka goes back to Japan.
Angels.
The Angels almost have to have Tanaka barring a trade. Too many pitching holes to fill by taking on Bauer’s salary and they need a decent mid rotation starter. I’ve heard there is questions about his arm health but you could say the same for Kluber. Angels need to get aggressive in pitching or 2021 is over
If Tanaka goes to the angels him arm will undoubtedly explode. That’s how it goes for them.
@Joe
Hope not.
They need more pitching than Kluber.
They do. Another signing or a trade. Probably the latter.
And they have like $4MM left to spend.
Musgrove got $4.45 million in arbitration today. He would be perfect
No, he’s too expensive.
The hell he is, LOL
@PinstripedPride –
There’s a poster on here @mlb1225. He’s a Pirates fan & really well versed in pitching analytics.
He sold me on Musgrove CBT be damned. He’s a pretty interesting pitcher no matter where we stand in re to payroll.
Hi Ducky. Pinstripe Alley folks say hello
Good hunting @PSA.
Yankees on fire today.
Yes they’re and diaper boys are crying!
First DJLM and then Kluber, great day for the Yankees. And as always for the Jays, a big swing and a miss. SHATKINS!
Two years $22 million
2 $15? And apparently DJLM on a 6 year. Sounds good to me
Thought he’d go to the Angels. Good pick up for the Yanks. I guess they really were waiting to wrap up DJLM.
Tor can have Big Maple taking a chance on Kluber was good.
Not a surprise. They locked in how much money they can work with once they knew what LeMahieu would cost and once they settled all their arbitration eligible players..
Damn. The world lost another great beard today.
Sadly, that is true. Not sure I’ll even recognize him.
Nah. Nothing special about that beard.
I know! I hate when this happens.
I know! But I love when this happens.
It appears we’ve reached a digital Mexican stand-off.
More like a beard-off
Lol
Yeah, that’ll play.
Let’s stop assuming Kluber’s going to win the Cy Young; he’s had a tough couple of years. Great pitcher, great guy and all that…but the train might have left the station. And we need to see the dollars.
But ya, the fact that he’s a Spankee and not a Jay or Red Sox is pretty indicative.
kluber!!! Wow. A 2 time cy young winner to “bolster “ our rotation. That’s the Yankees!! Thanks Cash
“Our rotation?” What position do you play again, champ?
His position is fan. Don’t be a jerk.
Wow, that came out of nowhere! I’m guessing the Yankees offered him the most guaranteed money out of any team. Probably in the $10-$12M range and maybe some incentives to push it even higher. If he’s healthy, he really improves the Yankees rotation a ton. Nice get by Cash; Bloom get off your a$$ and sign someone!
With an OF of renfroe/verdugo/trade-rumored Benny, and in IF lacking a legit 2B, the error prone defensive disaster Devers at 3b, and an open 1b you’re testing an unproven dalbec at…
Well, as a pitcher I’m not liking having to spend most of the game pitching out of the stretch.
Combine that with winning not being a priority for the ballclub under bloom, why would you sign there just to become (at best) a trade piece that has to uproot things mid-season and disrupt your family?
Boston isn’t trying to win. It’s obvious. So while guys want to redeem themselves, why not go to a contender who wants you to try to win rather than someone who just wants to rebuild your value and sell you for prospects?
All good points. They have to consider their arbitration raises upcoming and add players with a total budget not exceeding 27M, otherwise they go over the CBT once again. With so many holes to fill, one can envision moving almost any player to get prospects. They moved their best player last year. Nobody is untouchable for the right package of prospects. Still, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
Big boys don’t cry, get over it diapers..
Is this the only reply you know, homer?
2021 AL Comeback Player of the Year
Not a bad pick…Ohtani is my guess.
10 million – I literally laughed out loud when I read that!
For that type of money, you could have signed Smyly!
Who wants Smyly?
Big boys don’t cry, get over it diapers..
That is one expensive 90mph fastball. Yankees will regret this as much as the Rangers did last season.
So, because he signed with the Yankees he’s automatically gonna be Cy Young material again?
Kluber either won a Cy or finished in the top 3 for five straight years. He’s got all the talent in the world. No it’s not an automatic but he’s got a good chance
You better hope so.
Guy’s broken. Bank on it.
Big boys don’t cry, get over it diapers..
If you are expecting Kluber to be a pitcher who has a good chance at being cy young material this year, I think you might have your expectations set a little high.
He has pitched 36.2 innings over the last 2 years. “Good chance” is a massive stretch. There’s not even a good chance he pitches a full season.
Did I miss something?
Fascinating…..can’t wait to see what happens. Geniuses or fools?
Hope Kluber is a good pickup for the Bronx team. Last year with Rangers didn’t go well, maybe because of shortened spring training. Certainly worth the chance.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooo
I don’t like this for the Yankees. They don’t have any proven starters outside of Gerrit Cole. Severino and Kluber have combined for less than 40 innings since the start of 2019, Garcia and Schmidt are both unproven prospects, and the rest of their guys are number fives at best. I think they should have gone for proven starters who have had more recent success like Tanaka or Odorizzi.
Who says they’re done adding? They’re not. Just a question of how they’re adding, meaning trade or free agency.
Right on Rob, and Covid will create lots of opportunity to pick up front line pitching at the trade deadline if needed because of reduced/no fans in the stands reducing owner revenue a second year in a row.
Weren’t the Yankees saying that not having fans hurt them more than it hurts other teams?
It would be nice if they are still adding players. However, given their publicly stated intention of staying under the luxury tax, they don’t really have many options left. Unless they are willing to go over the luxury tax, then I don’t think they will have the rotation to compete for a World Series this year. $5 million is not enough to bring in a proven #3 or better starter.
If the Yankees intend to stay under the CBT as previously stated then they are done adding now. They had a little under $30M in room and just spent $26M on DJL & Kluber (great value btw). I’m guessing Cash will want to hold onto a little cape space for the trade deadline so they are most likely done adding players unless they decide to blow past the CBT for the 3rd year in a row, which give them the maximum penalties under the CBT program. Will be interesting to see what they choose to do, especially if a key player goes down and they need to add real talent once the season starts.
Another option would be for NY to ‘dump’ Ottavino and his $8M salary onto another team by attaching a decent prospect to him. That would free up some space for them.
Ottavino and/or Gary Sanchez by the deadline. Kyle Higashioka starts and signing a backup catcher will be cheap.
Ottavino is actually a $9 mil AAV.
Which makes it even slightly worse.
With Archie Bradley signing yesterday for 6 MM, the Yanks would have to attach a pretty good prospect to dump him.
Yanks need to salvage him. He still has that great slider. But in a way he’s the very reason I want to see the Yanks sign a couple of the bullpen guys. If Otto’s role is compressed into some kind of matchup reliever there could be an effective (albeit very expensive) spot for him.
I’d love to see the Yanks sign Melancon & Watson next or something similar.
The additions going forward have to be cash neutral for the Yankees to avoid exceeding the self imposed luxury tax limit. A trade for a young/minimum wage or the stepping up of one of the NYY’s own MiLB’ers could be huge for the Yankees.. We’ll see…
I understand your feelings but when is right time to allow unproven prospects to prove themselves? If you’re going to stack your rotation with vets, is there a point of keeping around AAAA pitchers? Garcia’s and Schmidt’s ceilings are probably mid-rotation. Let the kids hold it down (Montgomery included) until Severino and German get back. It’s not like the Yankees are built to be out of contention by mid-summer.
My issue is not just with the prospects. Their only proven starter is Gerrit Cole. After him, they are relying on two pitchers who have combined to throw less than 40 innings in the past two years, and two unproven prospects. That is not a good strategy to win a World Series.
If the Yankees were to sign two proven starters(Tanaka and Odorizzi, for example), then I would feel comfortable leaving Schmidt and Garcia in the last two rotation spots. I agree that prospects need a chance to prove themselves, but you do need some solid veterans that can give you a chance to win games if the prospects struggle.
Personally, I think that Kluber should have gone to a team like the White Sox or Mets that already has most of the rotation filled out with good pitchers. That would allow the team some flexibility if Kluber doesn’t pitch well.
Since Cashman seems deadset about staying below the LTT while prioritizing resigning DJL, it’s really the best he can do. Kluber is a moderate-risk, high-reward gamble. The rotation definitely doesn’t inspire confidence for a long postseason run. It hasn’t been for years since the Yankees started operating with fiscal restraint. This Kluber signing to me is not dissimilar to their previous resigning of JA Happ.
Dude is toast.. glad it’s the yanks that won’t get anything out of him
How about Yankees get Hamels or Lester on a one year deal next. Better yet get greedy and sign Bauer. F the Mets. They won’t get past LA or ATL.
@mlbnyyfan
I’d love Bauer on the Yanks.
Heck with the mets one way or the other.
I’d just like to see it because he’s the best pitcher left & he’d make us the AL favorites.
Until he actually signs a contract with another team I’m going to continue to hope Hal breaks out the XL checkbook, uh.
fathead….um the post moniker fits you well…clownshow comment Dude!
Right.. guy has thrown how many innings the past 2yrs and everyone thinks he’s still got it .. you’re the clown
One year, incentive-laden deal maxing out at around $10M with club option. That means the base is lower.
First LeMahieu and now Kluber? This is a great Friday! Rotation still needs help but I’m feeling a LOT better than I did last night
As a yankee fan this has been a good birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday, @gclark3!
Cashman was thinking about you, man.
Ho hum….that big budget Yankees sign another pitcher whose best years are behind him. Should’ve just kept Tanaka…at least you know what they have.
Ever think the “big budget” Yankees are just laying in the weeds for the July/August trade deadline when, because of Covid and the lack of fans in the stands, there will be lots of pitching available for anyone willing to take on salary…..
Tanaka, while pitching admirably for the Yankees through both his contracts, is beginning to slide and certainly isn’t the big game pitcher he was 2 years ago….will miss him, but all good things do end!
Don’t forget next year. Don’t think the Yankees haven’t planned already for contingencies for a SS replacement like Story/Seager/Lindor. They are ensuring that if they must go over next year, it is their first, again. In terms of pitching, need to go get Castillo imho. Cole, Castillo, Kluber changes a lot.
Have to agree 100%, when was the last time we really saw Tanaka fired up like he used to get his first few years. Now it’s just that oh sh’itz look as the ball flies over the wall.
Yes, you know what Tanaka is:
1) he’s been pitching with a partially/moderately torn ligament in his elbow for years;
2) he’s gonna be in his mid 30s now for his next deal. At his current age 32/33 season, he may be wanti.g his next deal to be his last.. Natural regression is fast approaching.
Add those together and Tanaka is fairly high risk. Hes performed well, but sometimes you need to part on a high note before you take a hit.
NY baseball is up side down financially. The Mets own the back pages of the newspapers while the Yankees are making all the previous own Met roster moves. I wish the best for Kluber these moves are so hard to judge.
If one of your team’s goal is to own the backpages, then you’re doing it wrong.
Nice. I’m not a Yankees fan, but I sure hope Kluber bounces back in a big way. That would be an awesome story
Finally got a point in this flippin’ free agent contest
With each passing day and FA pitcher signing, the Angels are probably going to ask Mike Trout to pitch every 5 days.
Nope It’s Maddon. Trout will be the opener, move to CF in the 2nd, catch in the 9th.
Of course, it’ll be 12-7 in favor of the other team either way.
Love it. Upside for under 10 million is hard to pass on. If healthy he is at least a 5.
For other teams no big loss. I would be fine with bargain basement bounce backs Archer Felix Hamels. Maybe Yankees get one of these as well.
Guess it’s time to hate Kluber
yessssssssssss,
now bring back Gardy …….
I love Brett but it’s time for him to retire. He’s not worth $11 million
I actually really like this fit for both parties, so long as this isn’t the only addition the Yankees make to their rotation. For Kluber, he’s being given a chance to re-establish himself on a competitive team which will also pay him very well. For the Yankees, they desperately needed to add some quality options to the rotation mix, and this particular option comes with some definite upside, even at his age. So long as expectations aren’t aimed at his prime and another move follows at some point, seems like a worthwhile flier to take.
Kluber will pitch much better than Happ guaranteed.
That is a good prediction.
11m is more then I thought he would get. This will be either genius or a waste. All depends if he can be healthy.
It’s higher than I thought as well. Interesting to see how he fairs in Coors Field East.
Are the Yankees stronger than they were last year? I don’t think so. I rather have Tanaka rather than Kluber who has a lot to prove and the bullpen is weaker given that Chapman cannot producers for the Yankees during the playoffs.
They’re probably worse off on paper right now than they were last year, yeah. The progression (or lack thereof) of Garcia/Schmidt becomes a lot more important to watch for sure, and I would assume they aren’t done there. Swinging a deal for maybe Musgrove or reuniting with Tanaka would spin the narrative to replacing Happ with Kluber, which is definitely more ideal and would have their rotation looking a lot less thin.
D’accod @Sleeper –
Right now?
Not as good.
But trade for Musgrove or re-sign Tanaka & add a couple bullpen arms & that would be a good off-season.
Lotta time left until opening day.
Lotta good players still available.
Hes 35. Geez
Good addition by the Yankees.
Yankees better sign another starter or two.
I’m sure Cashman will. Either that or a trade
$4MM left to spend. Think they will be looking at minor league signings at this point.
Trade Gary to the Marlins and I’m sure the Marlins would be willing to send over their #7 starter in return at the very least. Might be able to slot in #2 on the Yankees.
Big boys don’t cry, get over it diapers…Big boys don’t cry, get over it diapers.
Tool
Jesus, get a new line. Your contribution here is Carl Pavano-like.
klubot
Anaheim really is not gonna fix it’s rotation, huh.
They haven’t fixed that crap pitching staff in like 5 years. Not sure why people thought this year was gonna be any different lol. #FreeTrout
Yeah, that is so sad… to have the best player in the game in this generation and waste his talent like that, I really wonder what goes through the mind of Mike Trout.
What goes through Mike Trout’s mind:
“Holy crap, they are paying me $37M/yr for the next 10 years to play baseball in Southern California? Life is good.”
More like #StopLettingArtePlayGM
Ducky! Be pumped, my guy!
I may not like the Yankees, but I love, love, love seeing this! I hope for a HUGE bounce-back season by Klubot in 2021!
What’s going on, @Rangers29
You think I’m not?
Yeah it’s definitely a fun signing, man. We were just posting about him a couple days ago. Hard to not like it for me.
A Machine & a Robot all in the same day.
One of the best and most perseverance pitchers of this century is going to the largest market in the world. If I could, I’d watch every single one of his starts. My three favorite pitchers right now are Verlander, Kluber, and Lynn, and I hope to be able to watch a ton more of their starts before they all three retire.
Those are all pretty good pitchers.
Lot of stylistic differences.
My top 3 would be; Tanaka, Darvish, Greinke. It’s actually more convenient for me having Darvish on the Coast. I’ll be able to catch more of his starts. Dunno what would happen if Tanaka goes back to NPB. Cross that bridge when I get it, I guess.
Darvish was a really fun player while we had him (and obviously after as well). It’s not a matter of not liking Darvish for me, it’s just that I like those three better. What’s bad is that I haven’t watched the game for long enough to have a really good all-time favorites list because it’ll all be current players or fairly recent ones. I think Kluber, Lynn, and Verlander would all accompany my top 5 for sure though. Ooo… now I want to do that. This will be a different comment – heck I might put it on the Kim thread – but my list of favorite players for each position. That’d be fun. Ya know what? Imma go over there right now and start on it.
This is a great gamble when you consider the fact the Braves gave Drew Smyly 11 million after being hurt and/or sucking for like five straight years….Contractually the only other option likely would have been a lower guarantee with a significantly higher dollar amount tied to incentives. Kluber likely accepted this guarantee over other non-guaranteed deals that were likely higher. Good for him and the Yankees I think. Although, kinda nerve wracking when you consider the entire Yankees roster is evidently made of glass.
The Kluber trade has to go down as one of the best teases in baseball history. One inning! That’s so wrong!
To be fair though, it was likely the only exciting inning the Rangers had all year.
Well…I mean…how did he look, though?
Wow, farewell to Tanaka-san.
Uh.
@GoYanks –
A lot of you guys seem awfully sure about that. 1 Machine + 1 Robot = 26 mil AAV
Added to previous payroll that puts the Yanks at ~ $205 MM.
5 mil seems cutting it awful close, man.
Now that we know MLB is trying to play a full season there is at least a bit more fiscal certainty. I’m sure the Yankees are resolved to lower payroll. I’m not sure – however – that they are not trying to pay any CBT penalty at all, though.
Guess we’ll see.
I’m not ruling out a Tanaka reunion.
WTF Red Sox…
Bloom always comes up empty. Definitely a pattern with this guy
Hopefully a precursor to Odorizzi
OH COME ON!
Seems like we a little bit if and overpay when he hasn’t been able to purchase in two years. The braves got Morton for not much more than that. I guess if he is healthy he has a little more upside but Charlie has been a solid #2/3 starter since 2017
Seems like a big risk for the Yankees. Been injury prone for the last year or so. I think all those innings he pitched in Cleveland are starting to catch up with him.
I don’t see this is a wise investment of dollars, but…
When did $11m become cheap? $11m comes with expectations like 140-150 innings and 10 wins. Something he hasn’t done for a few years. This is why ticket prices and food cost keep rising. I don’t like this signing at all.
Big boys don’t cry, get over it diapers.
Nice little move by the Yankees. They are one of the best teams in baseball.
Still not the time to panic if you are a Blue Jays fan. If told two months ago that Realmuto, Springer and Bauer would still be available in mid-January with the Yanks re-signing DJL and signing Kluber, you’d be ok with it.
Bottom line, what the Yankees do has no bearing on what your team does to improve. Yanks have one hurdle to jump; durability.
He actually doesn’t need to go back to previous Cy Young form, because just as long if he can stay healthy and pitches at least decently, he’ll be their second or third best pitcher. So yeah, I do not have high hopes for their starting rotation, no matter how Gerrit Cole does.
Lololol Yankees should get first dibs on any and every player, b4 any one else! Smh
That’s ok, after spending all that money, Im sure they’ll fall short of winning world series like usual.
Hater….
For the price and the contract it is a deal. I don’t understand why people are crapping all over it.
More about Yankees hate than anything else. Those same people would be happy if their favorite team signed Kluber.
Because you really don’t know which Kluber you’re getting. And I haven’t seen any specs on what’s guarenteed, incentives, etc. etc.
Granted, if the deal blows up, the Yanks can afford it…heck, they can afford 10 deals like this. Their “concern” with the “Tax” belongs on Saturday Night Live.
Bottom line, the Yanks can do it. Not everybody can.
Plus also adding that if he pitches well, the Yankees can QO him in the offseason or gain a comp pick. One-year deals are never terrible for any team.
It will be a little tough to QO with a ton of first time arbitration elgible (gleybar, voit, frazier) . Even before the DJ and kluber signing i think they around estimated at 190M or so for 2022 including estimated arbitration not including the obligatory 15M for insurance towards tax. .The only people that are free agents for sure is ottavino and britton which is about 20m total.
If they intend stay under this year which all indications point towards, I think they’ll blow past it for the years ahead. You’re correct that all the guys arb-eligible will require hefty raises. There is no way to stay beneath it if they want to remain in WS contention.
I’m genuinely curious as to why you seem so certain about getting below $210.
I read the Yankees off-season completely differently. If that was really the goal then why exercise Britton’s option? Why would the Yanks spend within 4 mil of the threshold in mid January.
Those actions don’t make sense if that is the working plan.
I posted this elsewhere but Cashman stated that the Yankees would have “the highest payroll in baseball”.
I don’t think $206 million is going to be it.
MLBTR you been off your mark on these signings this year, maybe you should rethink or get in the office when those discussions happen…lol
Frank stop writing the same comment over and over again on this site. It’s completely unnecessary and detracts from everybody else who want to have a valid discussion about baseball.
Amen.
Love it
Another swing and a miss for Bloom. “We were interested and there but we didn’t get him”. This is a complete pattern with this guy.
Another swing and a miss for Bloom. “We were interested and there but we didn’t get him”. This is a complete pattern with this guy. I have my doubts Bloom picks up anybody but throwaways and garbage.
Wowzer! I was guessing a few million with an incentive laiden contract to bring it up to 12m. To just hand him 11m? Crazy! I’m pulling for the dude thou. GL
Hope this doesn’t spell the end of Tanaka’s time in New York. Will be sad to see him go if so. True gamer
One understated detail that I meant to mention in my initial reaction is that this reunites Kluber with Matt Blake (Yankee’s pitching coach), who worked in the Indian’s pitching department for 4 seasons before jumping to the Yankees. That familiarity could have been a factor in the deal lining up.
Don’t forget the connection with Eric Cressey.
Good call!
No, it’s that the Yankees have a shot to contend and offered him the most guaranteed money by far. That’s why he signed with them; simple economics.
Definitely wouldn’t argue that in reality, that’s what it boiled down to. More so suggesting that the familiarity might have driven the sides closer to that point. Maybe without Blake (or Cressey) in the fold, the Yankees don’t quite pony up the best offer. Or maybe Kluber received a virtually matching offer from another team in a similar position, and those two gave NYY the edge, that sort of thing. He definitely didn’t take a discount because he’s worked with their people before.
Exactly. That signing Kluber so soon after his pitching showcase shows there was some inside influence going on.
I forgot that too, @Sleeper.
Good catch.
Edit: same to you, @Joe Says…
Why would he take a 1 year deal with the Yankees? He either has some serious self confidence or he doesn’t care about rebuilding value since the Yankees have such a hitter friendly park.
Smart deal overall I can’t believe drew smyly got the same deal as Kluber Braves really should have just waited for Kluber. But the Yankees need more pitching because after Cole the starting pitching quality really drops off.
Same amount of money as Drew Smyly. Over/under who has the better season?
Baring any injuries which both have a history of I’m gonna have to put my money on Kluber.
Has. Itching to do with the Yanks. $11m is a ton of money especially when the Yanks said they want to stay under $211m so they have about $4m left. Everyone is welcome to share their opinion so Frank should comment about the move instead of telling people to stop crying. Grow up. I just don’t see Kluber contributing, but it will be great to see how he does.
Even if Kluber is a .500 pitcher with a mid-4 ERA, there is still value in that. The rest of the AL East has taken a step back. The Blue Jays haven’t done a thing yet and don’t even know where to call home next season.
It is a VERY bad overpay. $11 million for a guy who hasn’t pitched in 2 years? And the last time he was on the mound he was awful? Exactly how many innings do you expect to get for $11 million from a guy who hasn’t pitched in 2 years. Just like last year, this year will be about who has the MOST arms to get innings without going into the dumpster and not the best. $11 million will get you 3 veteran pitchers who may be below average, but will eat up 3 times as many innings as Kluber. If the offense holds up …… that should be good enough to win a VERY weak division.
The Yankees have not stated a Budget Figure Publicly. Fans have come to the conclusion that under 210 MM was their Goal. They only said that they wanted to reduce the payroll from last years Team Record Payroll.
I never thought they would try and go from 250 MM to under 210 MM all at once. There would be almost no way it wouldn’t hurt the team on the field.
Kluber is a good bet since his injuries were not to the Joint Capsule and of all the muscles of the Rotator Cuff to injure the one he hurt is the best one to do it to. The fact that he didn’t require surgery says a lot.
Long time no see.
Happy new year, Byron.
Look at what I’ve been posting.
Same thing.
I’ll be pretty surprised if this is it as far as outside additions are concerned.
& – of course – good hunting.
Not doing so well in the FA contest, lol.
Nonetheless, good signing by the Yanks. Provides em with a little more depth and upside.
Hope the Yankees get as much production from him as the Rangers did last season.
Hey, at least Tiger execs got to keep their feet warm and padded their expense accounts…..
I WISH RODNEY DANGERFIELD WOULD BUY THE TIGERS. We’d be better off……
If Yankees need to save money
please find a taker for Stanton even if it means paying half his salary. Any takers??
I don’t think anyone would want Stanton at even half his salary. Stanton has $218 million left on his contract. The Yankees are on the hook for $188 million of that. If Stanton was currently a free agent, I think his maximum guarantee would be for around $40 million(I’m not saying he would definitely get this, just that I feel this is a somewhat realistic number). The Yankees would probably have to pay down something like $148 million just to move him, which wouldn’t give them very much payroll flexibility.
At this point, the Yankees are much better off keeping Stanton and hoping that he can stay healthy long enough to rebuild his value.
@ dan55 – You suggest that Stanton being a free agent would only be worth $40M therefore the Yanks would have to pay down his current contract by $148M to achieve that final figure of 40M. That includes a 10M buyout for 2028 which leaves 30M for a 7 year contract. That works out to approximately 4.29M per year for Stanton. Every single MLB team would jump at that opportunity if given the chance. I believe your suggestion is at best far fetched or you have been smoking something that you should share with the rest of us.
It’s not a matter of finding a taker. Stanton has a full no-trade and will exercise it. He doesn’t want to be anywhere else. Also, while a segment of Yankee fans want him gone, the Yankees do not. They want him on the team, but preferably healthy for a change.
He’s played 3 full seasons since 2012. Now that he’s on the wrong side of 30 and still on the books for 7 more years, I don’t see his health issues suddenly improving and, even if they do, his performance will decline. Age is rarely kind to beefy sluggers, especially those with extensive injury histories.
@RnR Pfeifer Yeah, but you’d get no respect.
I must be missing something about this deal. All things being equal why would the Yankees take such a big gamble on Kluber when they could have Tanaka back for more or less the the same money? Tanaka is a proven quantity, a stud in the playoffs (well at least until last season) and a durable guy who’s a much safer bet of making it through the season than Kluber, even with the long standing tendon issues that he’s managed well.. Tanaka’s a number three starter these days, Kluber AT BEST would only be a number two behind Cole, and given the injuries is probably on about the same level as Tanaka – if he succeeds in his comeback.
I agree – I think that their resources would be much better spent going after Tanaka. Their rotation is desperately in need of proven starters after Cole, and Tanaka is a reliable arm who can give you solid production. Kluber definitely has higher upside, but he isn’t very reliable given his injury history.
My guess is that either the Yankees plan on trading for a low cost starting pitcher like Joe Musgrove on the Pirates, or they were bluffing about staying under the luxury tax and will still end up pursuing Tanaka.
There’s three potential reasons I can think of:
1. Tanaka wants a multi-year deal, but that pushes the Yankees uncomfortably far into CBT land and would make it more difficult for them to get out, while Kluber’s deal, even if he sucks, is gone after 2021.
2. Maybe the Yankees know something we don’t about his injury status.
3. Before his injury, Kluber was an innings-eater, hitting 200 innings every year from 2014-2018. Tanaka has never once thrown 200 innings and only twice thrown above 180. Even for pitchers with roughly the same stats, provided those stats are average or better, more innings has some added value.
All that said, if I were a GM, I’d have probably taken Tanaka, too. I’m just postulating on what might have been going on in the Yankees’ minds.
@ hyraxwithaflamethrower – Yeah, I had pondered that point as well about the Yankees maybe knowing something we do about that elbow – who knows? Good point as well about the fact Tanaka maybe wants another multi-yea deal. As for point 3, that is the big gamble though, isn’t it, that he can somehow return back to the innings eater he used to be. Even if he comes back to something close to his former self, perhaps asking 200+ innings out of him may be asking too much.
@ yankees7448
I’m sorry, what is there in my point that you don’t understand? The point was that Tanaka can be banked as a certain number 3 in the line-up. The insinuation/implication of my point on Kluber is that AT BEST – meaning something resembling his former self – would slot in behind Cole, one slot above Tanaka. The point that you missed is that they shelled out a similar amount to what they could have paid Tanaka for a marginal upgrade AT BEST who has innumerable question marks hanging over him. CC Sabbathia at best is better than Tanaka – but wait, he’s retired. Randy Johnson at best is better than Tanaka – oh, he’s retired as well. Cy Young at best is better than Tanaka – oh wait, he’s long dead. Do you get the point? The Kluber from three years ago would be a lock over Tanaka, but two major injuries, two years essentially lost, and coming back at 32 years of age, all point to the fact that, even if his body doesn’t break down on him again the chances are he won’t be the same pitcher from before. There’s also a reasonable expectation, given his recent track record, that he could go down again with an injury. So you still want to argue over semantics and your confusion over what was meant by AT BEST? All things being equal, Tanaka would be the surer bet over a guy with very questionable potential to return to something resembling his former prowess with the ball. If he works out, fine, Cashman looks like a baseball savant for taking the gamble, if not the team suddenly finds itself with a major drop in quality from Cole to Montgomery and the hoped for return to form of German and Severino – when he comes back. And as everyone knows, pitchers coming back from Tommy John typically take a while to find their way back.
The one thing the Yankees may have in their favor is that they have a strong connection to Kluber and could have some inside knowledge on how well he’s managing in his comeback.
First of all, there is still a chance we bring back Tanaka. Secondly, why are you saying Kluber is AT BEST the number 2 behind Cole while Tanaka is a number 3 as if being a potential number 2 is a bad thing. You are basically admitting that Kluber has higher upside.
The Yankees chose Kluber over Tanaka they really are betting on him to be the difference maker. If they intent on staying below the 210 million than they only have around 5 million more to spend. They could trade for Musgrove or give some of that money to Gardner. But if they want more money they could just move Ottavino to a team that needs bullpen help and just get the salary dump.
Anyone hearing about Taijuan walker going to
The Yankees? There’s a lot of chatter on his twitter with Aaron hicks
Yes Walker was busy this evening. It’s so difficult to tell if he’s trolling or if he’s being real. The man is so cryptic with his tweets and gives nothing concrete in his answers. I guess we’ll know for sure when the East Coast reporters wake up and check their messages
Not good. Red Sox were interested but where is Bloom? I agree with whoever said we will not be good this year. Yankees are taking the steps to succeed, Sox are finding low risk low reward talent.
I think this is a shrewd move by the Yankees. It allows his salary to come off after this year if he doesn’t pitch well, is a relatively small amount of money for them, and could provide them with a legitimate #3 pitcher. I still think they should try to trade for one of Marquez, Castillo, or Gray to build a rotation that could match up in the playoffs, but Kluber’s not a bad move. At worst, they waste $11M and are otherwise no worse off than they are now.
At worst, they waste $11M
—————————————
You have to look at that in context. Assuming the NYY are going to stay under the cap, they just spent $11M of their ~ $15M availability.
Yes, but for only one year. Tanaka would have eaten up cap space for 3-4 years.
But Tanaka isn’t getting a 3-4 deal. He’s probably looking at two years, He’s 32 with a 4.27 over the last 4 years.
And, for a deal like this, the NYY should’ve gotten a team option for a second year. Just imvho, Kluber looks like someone who coulf spend half a season knocking the rust off.
I think Gray would be a bad choice, not least because he still carries a grudge and some psychological baggage from his time with the team. Remember, he complained fairly loudly on how they basically forced him to pitch in a way that he wasn’t comfortable with, and I’m sure he’d be very wary of returning to a similar regimen.
I hope in the first game of the season Kluber plays that Vladimir hits a line drive and breaks that arm again.
@ Hard to walk with four balls – aren’t you the sportsman. I could say I hope in the first game of the season Kluber plays that Vladimir gets a line drive off his noggin and is lost for the season or longer; but then I would be no better than you; actually worse than you so I digress.
you are trash
Don’t kid yourself, this Yankee team is a big time contender. Many people have been lowering their value because of their injuries the last few years. Fangraphs has them at the top with a 44.1 WAR rightn now. They could have four number one pitchers if they all come back healthy by the end of the season. Cole, Kluber, Severino, and German were all number one’s for their teams at one time. I don’t expect this, but they still have great upside as a team.
Well potentially three number 1’s at no point was German considered and number 1.
This is a high risk high reward for the Yankees. If they get Vintage Kluber then the Yankees are a real threat to win it all especially Severino comes back strong. Was really hoping the Red Sox would sign Kluber there is pitcher on the market with his upside except Bauer and there can be an argument made that Kluber has more upside. My guess is that Cashman decided to take a chance on that upside because he could be a real difference maker.
I’m disappointed as a Red Sox fan because I felt the he was the only difference maker in there reach but he does come with injury risk. I also guess that Kluber probably preferred to play for the Yankees who have a better chance to get to and win the World Series. Hopefully Bloom is really trying to sign Odorizzi right now on a two or three year deal. Make it happen Bloom.
Cash can’t build a staff to save his life.
Kluber is a nice addition to a team that is set at the 1, 2 and 3 sp spots and has WS aspirations. He is a total risk for a team that has WS aspirations and needs him to be a #2 SP. Its been 3 years since he has been good, so why people think an epic comeback in the making is a sure thing is beyond me.
Our GM thinks he is smarter than everyone else and is clearly not. He just has the most coin to save himself.
In order for the kluber deal (and he is no bargain) to make any sense the yanks still need a proven 2 and 3 with recent history of success. Think Bauer. Not the Bauer at 37 Cash will sign one day
Got those Drew $myly bucks!
If I was making 10 million dollars I sure as Hell wouldn’t be Drew Frowney
Coming off a shoulder injury and having pitched 40 total innings the last two years, won’t Kluber’s workload be pretty restricted? If so, $11 million feels a little high.
Couldn’t agree more
As a Tribe fan, I wish Kluber well. He had great years in Cleveland but it was time to move on. Maybe he will have a good season in NY!
If Kluber was hitting 90 mph in January then by April he’s a good bet to be very close to the same velocity as his Cy Young seasons. Will he have the control & will his other pitches perform? I dunno, but if they do you will love his demeanor. Just watch the video of his arm break. My other concern would be, who is his catcher? Don’t want him throwing to Sanchez
Yankees fans will be displeased with this and call it dumpster diving. This type of sign for a single season, isn’t that bad. If he manages to stay healthy and provide innings while keeping a juiced ball from going over the fence, he’ll be a solid mid to backend rotation piece. I can’t stand the Yankees, but actually like this signing
I’m a White Sox fan, and if they got Kluber, I would be stoked. I can’t see why there isn’t more love for the signing among Yankee fans, just because they are used to getting the top guys all the time and Kluber isn’t a sure thing like Cole or Bauer.
His 2019 injury was a forearm break if I am not mistaken, and last year he had a strain in a non-rotator cuff muscle. That’s not a history of being injury prone or arm problems, like some people seem to imply is the case. A freak bone break, followed by a lat (actually I read teres major) strain and the season being too short to make it worthwhile for him to pitch for a bad Texas team. The guy used to be a freaking horse, 200 innings each of the prior 5 years to 2019, 2 Cy awards, and 2 other times top 3 in Cy. I mean, isn’t there a chance someone like that, with a kickass work ethic and mound demeanor, gets in shape after a low workload the past couple years and throws 18 W’s with a prime offense? He won 20 just 2 years ago. I would not be surprised if he is the steal of the offseason, and gets a big contract next winter. He’s not a normal dude if you’ve ever seen him pitch or have followed baseball the past 5 years.
Maybe not super high probability, but geez… if you are a Yankee fan, be thankful you got him. I sure wish some other team did, given that the Yankees are probably the toughest team the Sox will face in October, and Kluber is another right handed starter, which is the Sox achilles heel.
I’m not sure where you think Kluber is going to all of a sudden find 3mph on his fastball. He’s going to get lit up. His best days are well behind him. It’s highly unlikely that a guy like this bounces back.
Using all of your logic about winning 2 CY’s and being fresh means that they should sign Tim Lincecum too. He has 2 CY’s and a fresh arm. Right?
Slice, you make some good points. I like Kluber and wish the Angels signed him at about half that price plus incentives.
Even if he comes back strong, I have to believe Kluber will be on a pitch count and his innings will be limited. You just can’t sit out the better part of two seasons (40 total innings pitched) and come back and throw 180-200 innings.
If he makes 24 starts and averages 5 innings, he would throw 120 innings. If things fall in place, that seems reasonable. But $11 million feels like a lot of money for 120 innings.
I can’t believe that the Yankees would sign this fragile piece of glass. Kluber is the type of guy that a contender who already has 3 or 4 SP’s locked in place should sign, not a team that has Cole & basically nobody after him. Expecting Kluber to be the #2 guy is a huge stretch. Kluber is nowhere near the pitcher he was back when he won his 1st Cy Young in 2014. Back then Kluber’s fastball averaged 94.3mph. Last year his FB was 91.5mph. It’s clear that the White Sox are currently the team to beat in the AL.
Kluber has some talent, so he could still be good. But baseball is not kind to 36 year old pitchers.
He’ll be 35 in April. Verlander was 36 when he won the Cy in 2019. Randy Johnson won the Cy four years in a row when he was 35, 36, 37 and 38.
They are in win now mode. What expectations can we realistically expect them rolling with this rotation; so frustrating. Sign Bauer already; do you want to win or not?
Strange. Don’t the Yankees need more certainty in their rotation? And $11m isn’t cheap when they could have had the comparative certainty of Mike Minor for an AAV around $9m, or Robbie Ray for around $8m. Quintana is very, very average, but gives you around 170 innings a season and probably goes for less than 11m. Odorizzi rates to throw around 155 innings with an ERA+ of 105-110.
This seems like the kind of gamble the 2021 Yankees don’t need to make, unless they’ve decided they won’t get anywhere in the postseason without a pitcher like healthy Kluber can be in their rotation.
Robbie Ray is a Blue Jay and Mike Minor is a Royal. What do you mean they could’ve had them — in trade?
The Yankees aren’t just betting on Kluber — they’re betting on their Director of Player Health and Performance, Eric Cressey, who’s been working with Kluber on his rehab and was his trainer in previous offseasons. They’re also betting on pitching coach Matt Blake, who worked with Kluber when Blake was Cleveland’s pitching performance director. They must be trusting Cressey’s appraisal of Kluber’s condition and think Blake will be able to work with him as a coach.
Sure, it’s a gamble; but if it pays off, they’ll have a better pitcher than Minor or Ray. The last time he was healthy for a season he ranked third in the Cy Young voting. If he’s that good again, $11M will be a bargain.
Kluber is going to get hammered in the band box stadiums of the AL East. His best days are far behind him.
@Top Jimmy- you seem so sure Kluber’s best days are behind him. Why do you think he will get hammered in the AL East? He seems to fall under the category low risk/high reward. Besides if he doesn’t work out he’s just signed for 1 year. Thinking 13-8 this year with a 4.21 era.
can you name one pitcher who in their mid to late 30s came back from 3 highly injury prone years to have a good to great season?
Plus 13-8 with a plus 4 ERA is not a #2 MLB SP for a team with WS aspirations.
Cash is an idiot.
One of his injuries in 2019 was a broken forearm from being hit by a comebacker. That hardly falls into the category of “injury-prone.” He threw over 200 innings in each of the previous five seasons. Between 2014 and 2018 he ranked second in innings pitched. and third in fWAR.
In his last full season, 2018, he was third in the Cy Young voting, and he won it the previous year. He owns a career 3.16 ERA.
actually you’re the idiot
Look moron- prove me wrong. At least person tried and didn’t look like Lenny from of mice and men in the process.
I stand by my premise that cash is an idiot. 12 years; billions spent and less Ws appearances than Mets Rockies royals tigers rangers rays cards Cubs Sox dodgers nats Indians etc…
So go ahead idiot and tell me how great he is.
Btw of mice and men is literature.
Hey, I like Lenny! Hell, I love Lenny! That was one of the most heartbreaking books I ever read.
funny! and true. at least the book was short compared to some others