In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.
Target: Hiroki Kuroda, RHP
Type of move: Free agency
2012 stats: In his one year with the New York Yankees, Kuroda tossed 219.2 innings with a 3.32 ERA and a 16-11 record. He posted a 1.16 WHIP and a better than 3:1 strikeout:walk ratio.
Kuroda was discussed as a possible Rangers free agency target last winter, but they instead went after his countryman, Yu Darvish, with good results. Kuroda had a surprisingly great season for the Yankees and was actually the rock of their staff in 2012 as CC Sabathia spent some time on the disabled list and battled arm trouble throughout the year.
At 37 years old, Kuroda couldn't be looking for much more than a 2-year deal, possibly with a club option for a third, but he has all the leverage a 37-year-old starter can have following his stellar 2012 season for the Yankees.
The fact he put up those numbers while pitching in park that is more of a pitchers' park than Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is both amazing and promising if you're talking about him coming to Arlington.
