In hopes of improving their rotation for the 2021 MLB season, the New York Yankees are eyeing a two-time Cy Young winner. Several teams are in pursuit of Corey Kluber, and the Yankees are among the pitcher’s most logical destinations.

Injuries have limited Kluber to just eight starts in the last two seasons. The right-hander held a showcase for scouts Wednesday as he seeks a contract in free agency. Kluber might sign with a team by Monday, MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reports.

The Yankees and Kluber have discussed a potential one-year contract, according to nj.com. New York can afford to pay Kluber more than most teams while giving him the chance to compete for a championship.

Reportedly signing DJ LeMahieu to a six-year, $90 million contract Friday probably increases the Yankees’ chances of landing Kluber. By giving their second baseman $15 million per season instead of around $20 million, which was the expectation, New York might have room for Kluber on its 2021 payroll.

Kluber has some connections to the Yankees. New York pitching coach Matt Blake was part of the Cleveland Indians’ organization from 2016-2019 when Kluber was with the team.

New York’s rotation is filled with question marks after ace Gerrit Cole. Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton, the Yankees’ No.2 and No.3 starters last season, are both free agents. Luis Severino is still recovering from Tommy John Surgery.

Jordan Montgomery is currently the Yankees’ No.2 starter. The left-hander had a 5.11 ERA in 10 starts during the 2020 season.

Kluber won the AL Cy Young award in 2014 and 2017. He finished third in the voting in both 2016 and 2018.

In his 10-year career, Kluber has a 3.16 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP.

Corey Kluber Cleveland Indians
Corey Kluber #28 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Progressive Field on July 4, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. Ron Schwane/Getty Images
RELATED STORIES
Major league baseball