MLB rumors: Yankees, Corey Kluber talk 1-year deal | What it means

The New York Yankees and starting pitcher Corey Kluber have discussed a one-year deal, a person familiar with the team’s thinking tells NJ Advance Media.

“All he wants is a one-year deal,” the person said. “He wants to prove himself.”

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.

The Yankees are solely focusing on pitching while they expect to make a deal with DJ LeMahieu, the person said.

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Kluber, a two-time Cy Young winner, threw for scouts from about 25 teams on Wednesday. He reportedly looked good, with his fastball hovering between 88 mph and 90 mph.

Kluber has made just eight starts the last two years due to injuries. In 2019, he fractured his right arm after being hit by a line drive May 1. He rehabbed, but then was shut down with abdominal tightness and was shut down the rest of the season. In 2020< Kluber made just one start, lasting only an inning due to shoulder tightness. He was diagnosed with a torn teres major muscle.

The Yankees need starting pitching behind ace Gerrit Cole. Projected No. 2 starter Luis Severino isn’t expected to return from until the summer, when he’ll have completed his Tommy John surgery rehab. Severino didn’t pitch in 2020. They also have Jordan Montgomery, Domingo German and youngsters Mike King, Clarke Schmidt and Deivi Garcia.

James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka and J.A. Happ became free agents this offseason.

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Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

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