Nov

Marchand: Kuroda left money on the table to re-sign with Yankees

Via Andrew Marchand: Hiroki Kuroda turned down offers with multiple guaranteed years and/or more total money to re-sign with the Yankees for one-year and $15M earlier this week. The Dodgers, Red Sox, and Angels were among the clubs courting the veteran right-hander. Ken Rosenthal notes that Kuroda has signed four contracts in his MLB career, and he left money on the table each time. Most guys (understandably) take the biggest payday, but comfort has obviously been a major factor for Hiroki.

Categories : Asides, Hot Stove League

18 Comments»

RetroRob says:

November 23, 2012 at 4:39 pm

There’s a similarity with Pettitte here. A quality pitcher who only wants to sign a one-year contract can charge a premium because it greatly reduces the risk and downside for a team. Yet in both cases, neither pitcher has been willing to truly take advantage of the free-agent market, since they’ve limit themselves to one team.

Preston says:

November 23, 2012 at 4:44 pm

Always nice to have guys in the clubhouse who really want to be there.

Gonzo says:

November 23, 2012 at 4:52 pm

He must have found Hideki’s secret stash.

Reply
- RetroRob says:
  
  November 23, 2012 at 4:56 pm
  
  That’s good, because the collection was so large it will probably take him at least another year or two to go through them all. Another one-year contract in 2014!
  
  Reply
- Steve (different one) says:
  
  November 23, 2012 at 5:44 pm
  
  Yet if he winds up with a tired arm next year, people will blame the innings….
  
  Reply
  - JMK says:
    
    November 23, 2012 at 7:14 pm
    
    I chuckled.
    
    Reply

Ted Nelson says:

November 23, 2012 at 4:52 pm

More money over more years is not necessarily a better financial offer. Most players understandably hedge their downside risk by getting more years. If they stink or get hurt, they still get paid. If the deals he turned down were two years, $20 mill they might have been less financially attractive, though. Between getting your money sooner, getting your money for half the work, and having the flexibility to do what you want next offseason, the Yankees might have made the most attractive offer.

Cris Pengiucci says:

November 23, 2012 at 5:04 pm

Add having a known group of teammates, a solid chance of competing for the WS and a strong fan base to the reasons for his decision as well. They seem to have played at least some part in his decision.

Reply
- Ted Nelson says:
  
  November 23, 2012 at 5:27 pm
  
  Probably. I think people are jumping to conclusions a little to fit a narrative, though. Could be totally true, but leaving money on the table in terms of total $ is not necessarily actually leaving anything on the table.
  
  Reply
  - Andruw's Smile says:
    
    November 23, 2012 at 5:49 pm
    
    Oh, absolutely agree. However, I bet a two year deal from another team wouldve been closer to 25/26mil, meaning a little less AAV but still substantial money. I can see Hiroki’s familiarity with the Yankees and success being a bit of a plus
    
    Reply
  - Steve (different one) says:
    
    November 23, 2012 at 6:23 pm
    
    Agreed, but if the Dodgers were involved, I have no trouble believing they offered more years AND higher AAV.
    
    Reply

Elucian says:

November 23, 2012 at 5:10 pm

Add to the benefits is the age of most teammates, which is closer to Kuroda’s.

Cano fan #1 says:

November 23, 2012 at 5:13 pm

Hope they win the world series next year for kuroda he deserve

Logan says:

November 23, 2012 at 5:58 pm

He left money on the table, but he still held out for more than jut a $3.3 mil raise

Steve (different one) says:

November 23, 2012 at 6:18 pm

Those two things are not mutually exclusive

Reply
JayNY says:

November 23, 2012 at 7:44 pm

Nah NTC(No trade Clause) is the reason why he held out QO

Reply