Kuroda Reaches Agreement With Yankees – One-Year, $15 Million

 Kuroda was 16-11 with a 3.32 ERA for the Yankees last season

Hiroki Kuroda may have thought about a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Angels were reportedly interested as well in the veteran right-hander. The talk of him returning to Japan turned out to be just that, as the New York Yankees have reached an agreement to re-sign Kuroda to a one-year, $15 million contract.

There are incentives in the deal that are worth a little less than $1 million. Kuroda posted a 3.32 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 33 starts for New York, striking out 167 batters while issuing only 51 walks in 219 2/3 innings, while going 16-11.

The Dodgers were thought to have an edge in the bidding for Kuroda, but will now turn their focus towards Zack Greinke,Anibal Sanchez, Ryan Dempster and others.

The Yankees made a qualifying offer of $13.3 million to Kuroda , which he turned down. Had he signed with another team the Yankees would have received a draft pick.

Kuroda will now rejoin Yankees ace CC Sabathia in the rotation. The team is awaiting a decision by left-hander Andy Pettitte who may return for another season.