New York Yankees: Addressing Starting Pitching Needs
By Manny Gómez
Corey Kluber aka “Klubes”
With the Cleveland Indians facing an impending rebuild, like the Giants, they’ll keep their ears open for offers that might make the process a little less painful. In fact, ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted the following this past Friday:
Faced with market constraints, the Indians will listen to trade offers for some of their veteran players this winter, according to sources. Kluber, Carrasco, Encarnacion, Gomes, etc. Lindor, Ramirez will definitely be held.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) November 2, 2018
Which brings me to the Yankees next best option to bolster their rotation: Corey Kluber.
Two-time Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber has solidified himself as one of baseball’s best pitchers. Kluber is best known for his longevity and his pinpoint control. He’s led MLB in CG in three out of the last four seasons, and in SHO for three consecutive seasons. He also walks the fewest batters per nine innings than any other pitcher in baseball, leading all MLB pitchers in BB/9 for the last two consecutive seasons.
Although Kluber will turn 33 next season, he only has eight big league years under his belt and shouldn’t start to show signs of wear for another couple of years.
Contractually, the Yankees will also have some flexibility because Kluber is locked down for three more seasons at a combined $52.5 million. His contract includes team options for 2020 and 2021. By comparison, Clayton Kershaw just got $93 million for three years with player options for the last two years just last week!
Like Madison Bumgarner, considering that the Indians are rebuilding, this deal should only require major league ready prospects. The Yankees have plenty of those.
If MadBum doesn’t work out, Kluber should be the Yankees next target.