Corey Kluber is a two-time American League Cy Young Award winner and one of the most dominant pitchers of the last decade. However, in recent years, injuries have prevented Kluber from consistently taking the mound.
As fans and analysts alike wonder about his future in baseball, the question remains: is Corey Kluber still pitching? We will examine Kluber’s career, recent activity, injury history, and retirement plans to answer this question and provide insight into the future of one of baseball’s best pitchers.
Corey Kluber’s Career Overview
Early Years
Corey Kluber was born on April 10, 1986, in Birmingham, Alabama. He played high school baseball at Coppell High School in Texas before going on to play college baseball at Stetson University. Kluber was drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres.
Major League Career
Kluber made his Major League debut in 2011 with the Cleveland Indians. He spent most of the 2012 and 2013 seasons in the minor leagues before becoming a mainstay in the Indians’ rotation in 2014.
Kluber quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dominant pitchers, posting a 18-9 record with a 2.44 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 2014.
He went on to win the American League Cy Young Award that year. Kluber followed up his Cy Young campaign with another dominant season in 2015, going 9-16 with a 3.49 ERA and 245 strikeouts.
Achievements and Awards
In addition to winning the Cy Young Award in 2014 and 2017, Kluber has been named an All-Star three times (2016-2018). He has also been a top-10 finisher in Cy Young voting in six seasons (2014-2018, 2020).
Kluber was a key member of the Cleveland Indians team that won the American League pennant in 2016, and he has thrown two career shutouts, including a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox in 2013.
Corey Kluber’s Recent Activity
Kluber’s 2021 Season
After spending the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Texas Rangers, Kluber signed a one-year contract with the New York Yankees for the 2021 season. However, his time with the Yankees was marred by injuries.
Kluber made just one start in April before being placed on the injured list with shoulder tightness. He returned briefly in May before being sidelined again with a strained right shoulder.
Kluber made one more start in September before suffering a season-ending tear of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder.
Kluber’s Off-season Moves
Despite his injury-riddled 2021 season, Kluber was still able to secure a new contract in the off-season. On January 12, 2023, he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox that includes a club option for 2024. The deal was reportedly worth $10 million and the option $11 million.
Kluber’s Current Status and Activity
Kluber was Boston’s Opening Day starting pitcher for the 2023 season, suggesting that he was healthy enough to start the season.
However, beyond that, his current status and activity are unknown. It is possible that he is still pitching for the Red Sox or that he has suffered further injuries that have sidelined him.
Injury History
Corey Kluber has had a number of injuries throughout his career, ranging from minor issues to major surgeries. He missed significant time in 2019 and 2020 with the Texas Rangers due to a broken forearm and a shoulder injury, respectively.
In addition, he was limited to just 10 starts in the 2021 season with the New York Yankees due to shoulder issues, including a tear of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder.
How Injuries Have Impacted His Career
Injuries have certainly impacted Kluber’s career. While he was one of the most dominant pitchers in the league in 2014 and 2017, his performance has been more inconsistent in recent years due to injuries.
Kluber’s limited availability has prevented him from logging the innings and starts that he once did, which has impacted his ability to be as effective on the mound.
Potential Risks for Future Injury
Given Kluber’s history of injuries, there is certainly a risk of future injury. Pitching is a physically demanding activity, and the wear and tear on a pitcher’s arm can lead to issues over time. In addition, Kluber is now in his late 30s, which may increase the risk of injury.
However, the specifics of Kluber’s current physical condition are unknown, so it is difficult to predict how likely he is to suffer future injuries.
Discussion on Retirement
Factors That May Influence Kluber’s Decision to Retire
There are a number of factors that may influence Corey Kluber’s decision to retire. One of the most significant is his health.
If he continues to suffer injuries that prevent him from pitching at a high level, he may decide that it is time to hang up his cleats. In addition, family considerations, financial considerations, and a desire to pursue other interests may also play a role in his decision.
Kluber’s Potential Retirement Plans
At this point, it is unclear what Corey Kluber’s retirement plans might be. He is currently under contract with the Boston Red Sox, so he may plan to pitch for at least one more season.
However, if he decides to retire, he may choose to pursue other interests or spend more time with his family. He may also decide to stay involved in baseball in some other capacity, such as coaching or broadcasting.
Legacy of Corey Kluber’s Career
Regardless of when Corey Kluber decides to retire, his legacy as a pitcher is already established. He has won multiple Cy Young Awards, been named to multiple All-Star teams, and helped lead his team to a World Series appearance.
He has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the league during his career, and his performance in 2014 and 2017 in particular will be remembered as some of the best seasons by a pitcher in recent memory.
Kluber’s legacy is one of excellence and dominance, and he will be remembered as one of the best pitchers of his generation.
Corey Kluber’s Career Statistics in MLB.
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Career Record | 106-60 |
| ERA | 3.31 |
| Strikeouts | 1,487 |
| Cy Young Awards | 2 |
| All-Star Selections | 3 |
| Innings Pitched | 1,553.1 |
| Complete Games | 12 |
| Shutouts | 3 |
| No-Hitters | 2 |
FAQs
How did Corey Kluber get his start in baseball?
Corey Kluber played college baseball at Stetson University in Florida before being drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2007.
What teams has Corey Kluber played for during his career?
Corey Kluber has played for the Cleveland Indians, the Texas Rangers, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox.
How many Cy Young Awards has Corey Kluber won?
Corey Kluber has won two Cy Young Awards, one in 2014 and one in 2017.
What is Corey Kluber’s pitching style?
Corey Kluber is known for his four-seam fastball, slider, and curveball, which he uses to generate a high number of strikeouts.
What is Corey Kluber’s career record?
As of the end of the 2021 season, Corey Kluber has a career record of 106-60, with an ERA of 3.31 and 1,487 strikeouts.
Has Corey Kluber ever pitched a no-hitter?
Yes, Corey Kluber has pitched two no-hitters during his career. The first was on May 13, 2015, against the St. Louis Cardinals, and the second was on May 19, 2021, against the Texas Rangers.
Conclusion
Corey Kluber has had an impressive career as a pitcher in Major League Baseball, with multiple achievements and awards to his name.
However, injuries have impacted his availability and effectiveness in recent years, which may impact his decision to retire in the future.
While his plans are unknown, Kluber’s legacy as a dominant pitcher is already established, and he will be remembered as one of the best in the game.
Whether he decides to continue pitching or pursue other interests, his impact on the sport of baseball will be long-lasting.
