Free-agent right-hander Corey Kluber is expected to have a strong market after impressing during a pitching showcase in front of roughly 25 teams Wednesday, reports ESPN's Jeff Passan.
The two-time American League Cy Young winner threw 30 pitches, including his off-speed stuff. His fastball sat between 88 and 90 mph, and he's expected to increase his velocity as he builds toward spring training. Kluber's fastball averaged 92 mph during his last full season in 2018.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, and Washington Nationals were among the franchises in attendance, according to various reports.
Kluber, who has only appeared in eight games over the past two seasons because of injuries, recently said his plan was to show teams he's healthy and not to "prove" himself to anyone.
The 34-year-old was one of baseball's top pitchers before a fractured arm, injured oblique, and shoulder strain derailed his 2019 and 2020 seasons. From 2014-2018, Kluber ranked second in wins and innings pitched and was worth the third-most WAR among starters, according to FanGraphs.
