Chase For Yankees' Free Agent Kuroda Heating Up
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Earlier this week, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported that the Yankees are hopeful of re-signing Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year deal.
Now, the chase to sign Kuroda is heating up as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels are showing a major interest.
Kuroda rejected the Yankees' qualifying offer of $13.3 million dollars earlier this month and is seeking a one-year deal above the $13.3 million he turned down.
The 37-year-old right-handed starter went 16-11 with an ERA of 3.32 in 33 starts.
Both the Dodgers and Angels would offer Kuroda a geographical advantage as his family resides in Southern California. He pitched for the Dodgers between 2008-11 and was forced to leave via free agency because of the team's financial problems.
The Dodgers now have a high-spending ownership in place that have begun investing heavily in the ballclub.
That's not the case with the Yankees, who are attempting to lower their payroll to $189 million before 2014. The Boston Red Sox have maintained an interest in Kuroda, but are considered a long shots to sign the righty according to MLB insiders.
Should the Yankees lose Kuroda, they will receive a first or second round draft pick as compensation.
Yankees fans -- Do you see Kuroda staying or going? Share your thoughts below...
