Corey Kluber, Two-Time Cy Young Award Winner, Announces Retirement

During a six-year span, Kluber was one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber announced his retirement on Friday. 

For a six-season span from 2013 to ’18, Kluber was one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Guardians. In three of those seasons, he won 18 or more games while striking out more than 240 batters as the Guardians dominated the AL Central division. 

With a sinker, slider and curveball arsenal that baffled opposing batters, Kluber won two AL Cy Young Awards with two other top-three finishes in voting. 

Unfortunately, injuries did not allow him to sustain that success. Issues with his back, forearm and shoulder during the past five seasons limited him to only 94 appearances with the Guardians, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. (However, he made 31 starts for the Rays in 2022.)

“As I take my leave from the pitcher’s mound, my passion for baseball remains unwavering,” Kluber wrote on Instagram. “I eagerly anticipate exploring opportunities to continue contributing to the sport in a different capacity. To all those who have been involved with my baseball odyssey, thank you for crafting an indelible and unforgettable ride.” 

Corey Kluber has retired after 13 seasons in the majors, he announced on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/086IxjRnBn

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) February 9, 2024

Kluber, who will turn 38 in April, reminded baseball fans of his previous greatness in 2021 with the Yankees, throwing a no-hitter against the Rangers. He struck out nine batters while walking only one. He finished that season with a 5–3 record in 16 starts, compiling a 3.83 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 80 innings. 

His 13-year career concluded last season with the Red Sox. In 16 appearances (nine starts), Kluber notched a 3–6 record and 7.04 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 55 innings. 

“Each chapter was filled with priceless experiences, phenomenal teammates, and the backing of devoted fans, whose steadfast support always moved me to be the very best I could every time I toed the rubber,” Kluber said in his farewell.