Kluber, once perfect for Yanks, retires
Corey Kluber, who won two Cy Young Awards during a dominant five-year stretch with Cleveland and later hurled a no-hitter with the Yankees, is retiring after 13 MLB seasons, the right-hander announced Friday.
Kluber, 37, compiled a 116-77 record, a 3.44 ERA and 1,725 strikeouts in 1,641.2 innings across stints with Cleveland, Texas, the Yankees, Tampa Bay and Boston.
“Each chapter was filled with priceless experiences, phenomenal teammates, and the backing of devoted fans, whose steadfast support always moved me to be the very best I could every time I toed the rubber,” Kluber said in his announcement.
Kluber made his MLB debut in 2011 for Cleveland, where he spent his first nine MLB seasons. Armed with excellent movement and a put-away breaking ball, Kluber broke out in 2014 with an AL-best 18 wins, a 2.44 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 235.2 innings en route to his first AL Cy Young.
That stellar season kicked off a remarkable run in which Kluber finished within the top nine of Cy Young voting; exceeded 200 innings; recorded a sub-3.50 ERA; and tallied at least 222 strikeouts five years in a row.
A three-time All-Star, Kluber won his second AL Cy Young in 2017 after leading the league with 18 wins, a 2.25 ERA, five complete games and three shutouts.
Injuries derailed the latter parts of Kluber’s career. After being traded to the Rangers before the 2020 campaign, Kluber — who went to high school in the Dallas area — pitched only one inning before a torn teres major muscle in his shoulder ended his season.
Kluber then signed a one-year, $11 million contract with the Yankees for the 2021 season. He got off to a strong start, winning the 100th game of his career about a month into that season and throwing his first and only no-hitter against the Rangers in Arlington, less than three weeks later.
Kluber surrendered only one baserunner — on a third-inning walk — in what was the Yankees’ first no-hitter since David Cone’s 1999 perfect game.
Shoulder issues continued to plague Kluber, however, and limited him to 16 starts with the Yankees. He went 5-3 with a 3.83 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 80 innings in 2021, then signed a one-year deal with the Rays for the 2022 season.
Kluber finished off his career with Boston last season, struggling to a 3-6 record and a 7.04 ERA over 15 games, including nine starts.
Known for his stoic demeanor and machine-like efficiency on the mound, Kluber earned the nickname “Klubot.”
“As I take my leave from the pitcher’s mound, my passion for baseball remains unwavering,” Kluber said. “I eagerly anticipate exploring opportunities to continue contributing to the sport in a different capacity. To all who have been involved with my baseball odyssey, thank you for crafting an indelible and unforgettable ride.”