Red Sox decline $11 million 2024 team option on veteran starter
The Red Sox declined veteran pitcher Corey Kluber’s $1 million ham option for 2024, the team announced on Friday.
The decision to cut ties with Kluber comes as no surprise after he struggled in his only season with the Red Sox. Kluber posted a 7.04 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 15 outings (nine starts) this season.
The two-time Cy Young award winner allowed 69 hits, 17 homers and 21 walks over 55 innings. Opposing batters mashed off him, hitting .297 last season.
Boston named Kluber their 2023 Opening Day starter, where he struggled in his team debut. He owned a 6.26 ERA before Manager Alex Cora demoted him to the bullpen. Kluber’s luck never changed out of the bullpen, struggling by allowing 14 runs in 13 1/3 innings (9.45) ERA).
The righty missed 88 games after he was placed on the injured list on June 21 with right shoulder inflammation. He made some rehab appearances between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester but never made it back to the bigs.
The Red Sox signed Kluber to a one-year, $10 million deal back in January which included his 2024 team option.
The Kluber signing was dealt with fan backlash from the beginning and according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, some within the Red Sox organization questioned the health of the veteran’s shoulder before signing him.
The 37-year-old was not able to navigate the regular season without injuries and the signing was a massive failure.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
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