The Red Sox have declined veteran pitcher Corey Kluber’s $11 million team option for 2024. He now is a free agent.
This decision comes as no surprise after the 37-year-old righty, who owns two AL Cy Young awards, posted a 7.04 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 15 outings (nine starts) for the Red Sox in 2023. He allowed 69 hits (17 homers) and and 21 walks in 55 innings. Opponents batted .297 against him.
Kluber was Boston’s 2023 Opening Day starter. But struggled mightily, going 2-6 with a 6.26 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in nine starts (41 ⅔ innings), then the Red Sox demoted him to the bullpen. Kluber continued to struggle as a reliever, allowing 14 runs in 13 ⅓ innings (9.45 ERA).
He missed the final 88 games of the season after Boston placed him on the injured list June 21 with right shoulder inflammation. The Red Sox decided Sept. 16 to shut him down for the season and send him home.
Kluber signed with the Red Sox in January for one year, $10 million with a $11 million team option.
The righty has had a tremendous career. He recorded a 3.16 ERA in 208 outings (203 starts) with Cleveland from 2011-19. He led the AL in wins in 2014 and 2017 (18 wins both seasons). He led the league in ERA (2.25) in ‘17. He pitched more than 200 innings five straight seasons (2014-18).
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He won the AL Cy Young in both 2014 and ‘17. He also finished third twice (2016, ‘18).
He reflected on aging and how much longer he might pitch during an interview with MassLive in June.
“I like to believe that I’ll know when the time is right to say that I’ve had enough,” Kluber said back then. “I don’t know if anyone has the right answer as to when that is. I think if you’re lucky enough to make that decision — and not have it made for you — I think guys just probably know. It’s different with everyone.”
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