Hiroki Kuroda hit free agency after the 2012 season and many thought he would retire and/or return to his homeland of Japan. However, he signed a one year deal for 2013 and had a respectable season. Fast forward to free agency 2013 and there was Kuroda once again contemplating retirement. But it still wasn’t in the cards, he signed on for one more year in the pinstripes.
Kuroda told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com that it was two former teammates that were his inspiration to stay, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera. “With Andy and Mariano gone, I’m still a year younger than Andy and a few years younger than Mariano. That sort of pushed me to probably go for one more year.”
The now 39 Kuroda had a solid start to the season last year, but toward the tail end he had to overcome some fatigue related concerns causing him to have a disappointing close to the season. He has topped the 200 inning mark in each of the past three seasons and has been highly consistent over his six seasons in the Major Leagues. He has never posted an ERA above 3.76 or a WHIP higher than 1.216.
Kuroda had apparently developed quite the friendship with Pettitte, according to Hoch. They had neighboring lockers and despite the language barrier they could always talk pitching. Kuroda stated that the presence his friend had in the clubhouse will sorely be missed. It seems that he has taken on the mentor role just as Pettitte had done with him, this time with no language barrier at all. Masahiro Tanaka and he have become instant friends in spring training, “He’s my teammate,” Kuroda said. “Whatever he needs, I will help him.”
It seems that he was closer than ever to retiring before signing the one year deal, so 2014 will most likely be his last in the Majors. Heading into 2014 he is 68-70 with a 3.40 ERA and 1.179 WHIP.
Other Free Agent Spotlights: David Robertson / Alfonso Soriano
