The Dodgers have a fine, experienced pitcher in Hiroki Kuroda, and the Dodgers also have a miserable record that makes them open to selling parts at the deadline. As such, it's sensible that they would entertain the idea of trading Kuroda. The question all along, though, has been whether Kuroda would waive his no-trade clause to go elsewhere. Especially for an East Coast team. Kuroda seems quite content in Los Angeles, and reluctant to leave.
MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees, Red Sox, Others After Hiroki Kuroda
But that isn’t stopping other teams from placing calls. Writes Ken Rosenthal:
And Joel Sherman:
Thus, [the Yankees] are remaining in regular contact with the Dodgers about Hiroki Kuroda. The Yankees liked Kuroda enough that he was their second choice in last offseason’s free-agent market behind Cliff Lee.
It’s unknown whether Kuroda is willing to go anywhere else, but other front offices appear determined to present him with the opportunity. And since Kuroda is a free agent after the year and could re-sign with the Dodgers in the offseason if he wanted to, there exists the chance that he’d move. It might be a slight chance, but Kuroda’s good enough that it’s worth a try.
The Yankees badly want another dependable starter to slot in behind CC Sabathia. There’s a reason why they’re showing up in every pitcher rumor in existence.
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