Former AL Cy Young Corey Kluber on Comeback Trail

Injuries and general wear and tear have clearly had an impact on Corey Kluber's throwing arm, and no one is expecting Kluber to become the AL Cy Young Award winner he was in 2014 and '17.

But Kluber is receiving some consideration in free agency, and per ESPN's Buster Olney, the veteran right-hander will begin throwing bullpen sessions later this month or early next. This will come on the heels of a throwing program that began in early November.

So far, the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins have expressed an interest in Kluber. He will certainly draw more once he makes himself available for the bullpen auditions.

Kluber, 34, was dominant with the Cleveland Indians from 2011-19. He was twice named the Cy Young winner, was a three-time All-Star and twice led the AL in wins.

But then the Indians traded Kluber to the Texas Rangers, where he had two straight seasons ruined by injuries. Kluber was limited to just one inning in 2020 after suffering a Grade 2 teres major strain in his throwing shoulder in his first appearance. In 2019, Kluber pitched just 35.2 innings after a comebacker fractured his forearm.

So the long road back continues for Kluber, but at least now there appears to be a pitching mound back at the end of it.