Yesterday, 37-year-old right-handed starting pitcher Corey Kluber announced his retirement after 13 seasons in the majors. During his time, Kluber has played on five different teams. He’s won two American League Cy Young Awards and even pitched a no-hitter back in 2021. Although he was drafted in the fourth round in the 2007 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, Corey made his debut with the Cleveland Indians on September 1st, 2011. He finishes with an overall record of 116-77 with a 3.44 ERA. Also, with 1,725 strikeouts. Over those 13 years, Corey had some unforgettable moments, it’s time to reflect on his greatness.
Looking Back at Corey Kluber’s Career
2014: First Cy Young Season
Although Cleveland missed the playoffs with an 85-77 record in 2014, three-time all-star Corey Kluber won his first American League Cy Young Award. During 34 starts, Kluber posted an 18-9 record. Through 235 innings, Corey stuck a 2.44 ERA with 269 strikeouts. His 18 wins were tied with Max Scherzer and Jered Weaver for the most in the American League. While his 2.44 ERA was third best in the AL. This was Kluber’s second full season and it culminated in him becoming the fourth Indians pitcher to win the Cy Young Award. The three-time all-star winning the award, also helped him receive a sharp extension with Cleveland the following season.
2016: Postseason Magic
After the Indians had one of their best seasons in over a decade resulting in a 94-67 record, they would defeat the Boston Red Sox, and the Toronto Blue Jays to advance to the 2016 World Series to face off against the Chicago Cubs. With the series being tied at three games apiece, Cleveland went to their ace who was on three days’ rest after winning Games One and Four. Before Game Seven of the 2016 World Series, Kluber entered the game with a 4-1 record, and a ridiculous 0.89 ERA. Unfortunately, the two-time AL Cy Young winner gave up four runs through four innings in an eventual heartbreaking 8-7 loss. He would finish the 2016 postseason with a 1.83 ERA.
2017: Second Cy Young Season
Cleveland went on to win 102 games the following season. A big part of this was because of Corey Kluber who won his second American League Cy Young Award. In 29 starts on the mound, Kluber posted an 18-4 record. Through 203 innings pitched, he put up a 2.25 ERA with 265 strikeouts. Corey finished the 2017 season tying or leading the majors in wins, ERA, complete games, shutouts, WHIP, strikeout-to-walk ratio, ERA+, and pitching WAR. He became the first Indians pitcher since Gaylord Perry in 1972 to qualify for the ERA title.
2021: No-Hitter
On May 12th, 2021, Corey Kluber pitched the 12th no-hitter in Yankees history. Coincidentally enough he did it against the team, Cleveland traded Kluber to in 2020, the Texas Rangers. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner threw 71 strikes out of 101 pitches. He was able to strike out nine, during the 2-0 memorable win. Kluber might of had a perfect game but gave up a walk to Charlie Culberson in the third inning. This was the first no-hitter for the Yankees since David Cone did it back in 1999. Corey threw the sixth overall no-hitter of the 2021 MLB season.
Photo Credit: © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
