Yankees sign Corey Kluber to one-year, $11 million contract

Remember earlier, when I wrote that it had been “a busy day” for the Yankees? Well, GM Brian Cashman decided that it was still too boring. After signing DJ LeMahieu earlier on Friday and inking numerous arbitration-eligible players and international free agents, Cashman put the finishing touches on a deal for two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber.

The news had been bubbling throughout the day, beginning in the morning, when Brendan Kuty and Bob Klapisch reported that Kluber was in discussions with the Yankees. This evening, Jeff Passan followed up with the clincher that Kluber was indeed coming to the Bronx. Jon Heyman had the official terms: one year and $11 million.

If healthy, Kluber immediately puts the Yankees’ rotation in a lot better shape than it was a mere 12 hours ago. Even approaching age 35, he makes a fearsome number two behind Gerrit Cole and eases the pressure on the youngsters in the rotation behind him. As always though, the risk factor is quite present since he hasn’t had a healthy season since 2018, so adding another pitcher would be far from the worst idea in the world (to put it lightly).

We’ll have more on the Kluber signing shortly.