It is reported that Kuroda will return to Japan and pitch for his former team, Hiroshima Toyo Carp, in 2015. During his time in the MLB (4 years with the Dodgers and 3 years with the Yankees,) he posted 79-79 and 3.45 ERA, although I believe .500 winning percentage does not reflect how great pitcher he was.
He's been a true professional with durability, consistency, and endeavor. His three years with the Yankees (at the age of 37, 38, and 39!) was nothing less than one could ever hope for. This year, when most of Yankee rotation suffered through injuries, Kuroda stood alone and provided with 32 GS (the second most was 20 by Tanaka) for the team.
Kuroda's 97GS (33 - 32 - 32) was tied for the 8th in the MLB. During those years, a Yankee starter with the second most GS is CC Sabathia with 68. He posted 3.45 ERA (3.32 - 3.31 - 3.71) in the same time span, and it was the 25th in the MLB (min. IP 450.) From 1998, there were only three Yankee pitchers who posted 150 or more IP and 3.31 or less ERA: 2011 CC Sabathia (3.00,) 2001 Mike Mussina (3.15,) and 2010 CC Sabathia (3.18.)
Many people say next year will be very different without Jeter. 2015 Yankees are also without David Robertson, Shane Green, Brandon McCarthy, Martin Prado and many others. However, I will miss this pitcher the most and his name is Hiroki Kuroda.
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