While the Yankees and the rest of the baseball world reacts to Robinson Cano‘s mega deal with Seattle, the Yankees made an important move that helps their anemic pitching staff.
According to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, New York finalized a deal with Hiroki Kuroda for one year at $16 million. Kuroda could earn an extra $500K in incentives; $250K each for reaching 190 and 210 innings pitched.
The Yankees desperately needed Kuroda, who will now join CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova in the rotation. Kuroda was the Yankees’ best pitcher last year, despite an awful second-half. Kuroda went 11-13 with a 3.31 ERA last season, but had an ERA over 6 after the all-star break.
With Cano out of the way, GM Brian Cashman will now turn his full attention towards filling out the rest of the team.
Kuroda 1-yr, $16M deal with #Yankees was finalized last nite with same bonus package as ’13: $250G for 190/210IP plus intepreter.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 6, 2013
