Corey Kluber has chosen to sign with the Yankees over the Red Sox
In a day filled with baseball news from international signings, players avoiding arbitration, and big acquisitions, it’s fair to say the New York Yankees let the baseball world know that the areas of need on its roster would be addressed yesterday. On the heels of re-signing arguably the best second baseman on the free-agent market in D.J. LeMahieu, the Yankees made another big signing in handing over $11 million to veteran starting pitcher Corey Kluber. Much to the dismay of the Boston Red Sox, the Massachusetts resident decided the commute to the Bronx would be more worthwhile than giving his long-awaited comeback season a shot at Fenway.
Right-hander Corey Kluber and the New York Yankees are finalizing a deal that will bring the two-time AL Cy Young winner to the Bronx, pending a physical, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2021
Just two days removed from a showcase that saw scouts from over 25 teams attend to see how Kluber’s arm looked after numerous setbacks, word broke quickly that his market was developing far faster than some expected and that he would likely sign a deal by the end of the weekend. In just a matter of hours, the forecast of his eventual salary for the year changed drastically, with some noting that he had offers for up to $8 million before eventually signing with New York. His eventual contract was not far off from what MLB Trade Rumors had projected him to receive, with the website estimating him to get a one-year deal worth $12 million from the Twins.
The Red Sox organization is become scrutinized for its continued “interest” and being the runner-up to acquire players. From an outside view, it would appear that there was some reason that Boston chose not to pursue Kluber more aggressively. For example, the fact that New York offered him $11 million guaranteed rather than taking an incentive-based path as many speculated. Should Boston get aggressive and offer more guaranteed money to outbid the Yankees and see the right-hander get hurt again, the team would have far less flexibility to go out and find other players to fill that void.
The Red Sox were undoubtedly considered to be one of the favorites to land Kluber but ultimately lost out again. It is fair for fans to be upset and grow impatient, but to rush the game plan and end up making missteps would only anger the fanbase more.
The fact that the organization is doing its due diligence in keeping up with players, checking in on them, and seeing what their campaigns expect in a contract should at least give hopefuls reason to believe that transactions will inevitably follow. The team is clearly going to be much different than it stands at present.
Yes, the Red Sox have missed out on some quality players, but there is still a very diverse and long list of players who are still looking for new homes.