New York Yankees make contract offer to pitcher Hiroki Kuroda
By Bryan Rose
When the offseason began, the New York Yankees (namely general manager Brian Cashman) seemed quite worried they’d be unable to retain starting pitcher, Hiroki Kuroda.
That worry grew when the team hadn’t heard from the pitcher, who was spending his offseason in Japan.
Soon to be 39, many felt Kuroda may opt to stay in Japan and continue his career there and while that still could be the case, it’s unlikely after the Yankees most recent contract offer.
According to ESPN New York, the Bronx Bombers have reportedly made a one-year offer to the pitcher which is believed to be in the $15-16 million dollar range:
"The Yankees have extended an offer to starter Hiroki Kuroda in an attempt to entice the right-hander to pitch one more season in the Bronx instead of retiring or returning to Japan to play, a source with knowledge of the discussions told ESPNNewYork.com. The exact figure of the one-year offer is unknown, but it is expected to be in the $15 million to $16 million range."
It’s a hefty price, no doubt, but one the team had to make considering Kuroda already turned down the Yankees qualifying offer of $14.1 million dollars earlier this offseason.
Kuroda went 11-13 with a 3.31 ERA last season, though, fell off sharply in the second half, thanks to a 4.25 ERA post All-Star break.