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Yankees' free agency: Kuroda would reportedly take 1-year deal

The 38-year-old pitcher wants to keep the option to return to Japan open and doesn't want to complacent in a long-term deal.

By Adam Stites
Elsa

After providing the Yankees with a solid season after signing a one-year, $10 million deal, Hiroki Kuroda is willing to sign a similar deal in free agency this offseason, according to a report from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

Citing Japanese media, Cafardo notes that the 38-year-old Kuroda wants to maintain flexibility in the case that he wishes to return to play in Japan after the 2013 season and also doesn't want to become complacent as the result of a long-term deal.

Kuroda finished the 2012 season 16-11, tied with Phil Hughes for the team lead in wins, and his 3.32 earned run average was the best among pitchers that started more than 12 games for the Yankees. The team has reportedly been interested in re-signing Kuroda, although Cafardo notes that the Dodgers could be interested in bringing Kuroda back.

The Dodgers only had four pitchers make more than 10 starts for them, although each of the four pitchers in their rotation full-time had ERAs under 4.00.