Ex-Yankee Kuroda returns to Japan for 80% pay cut

Reading the article it sounds like he got fired and the Carps position is just a consolation for the old age. However, why did this article fail to mention that in order to sign with the Carps, he turned down the 4 times bigger offer from a Major League team? He wasn't cut off, he made the choice.

This guy just wants to live in his own sheltered, predictable existence back in Japan.

Yeah, it's SO unusual to want to live and work in your home country near your family and friends. Better to go live alone halfway around the world. (/sarcasm)

He'll make up some of the salary in endorsements. The main reason he was only 79 wins vs. 79 losses was that he suffered through horrible run support in his MLB career, especially with the Dodgers.

like Mr Baseball in reverse.

what a great story! more pro athletes should act with such class.

and zybster, i think the headline, unless it was changed, does imply that he was offered more money but turned them down to play for the carp.

During his 7 years in MLB, Kuroda was a reliable pitcher who could deliver double digit wins. He was a work horse and a good team player. He was also smart. After his initial contract with the Dodgers, he sought 1 year contracts with bigger pays and when all was said and done, in 7 years, he made more than what Matsui made in 10 years in MLB. Word has it that he was offered between 16-18M for a 1 year contract by the Padres, but he turned that down to return to Japan. He felt it was time to come back and for him, time was more valuable than money.

16 million? Hope he saved it. He probably did. 80% cut though....that's hard.

He could've found a job in the Majors, but not for 16 million. He most likely would've got a one-year deal in the $5-8 million range. But he wanted to come back to Japan and finish his career where it started with the Carp. The amount of love he'll receive from Carp fans, myself included, this season will be priceless. We're thrilled to have him back!

I read somwhere where he was the only reliable pitcher the Yankees had on their roster. And they were depending on him to be one of their starters in 2015 ... and were surprised when he turned down their offer to stay. He could have made a nice sum of money on yet another one year contract with the Yankees.

However ... Kuroda probably wants to play with a championship team at least once in his career ... and his old Carp seem to be the best bet to achieve this. Besides, he is returning home as a hero ... having succeeded in the Major Leagues despite playing for teams that failed to support him hitting-wise when he pitched.

Was hoping Angels talk out him to sign with Angels. But .... Too cold in NY.

"And boohoo about the English language again. Take a look at Nakata and Kawashima (the Japanese goalie) and how they've tried to learn English to expand their opportunities. This guy just wants to live in his own sheltered, predictable existence back in Japan."

Who peed in your coffee cup this morning?

It should not be about what he no longer will make, but about what he made, yet he managed to return back and still being able to play and in couple of years retire. That way he will not be a forgotten figure. That is actually a blessing. Imagine, what if he had never gone to the States to play for the Major Leagues? He would still be at the same level or even lower than the average player in Japan. So, he is in a much better position than before and than many people. What he went to do to the States was temporary and he overcame the attachment to riches and fame. That money is trap.

what a great story! more pro athletes should act with such class.

Hahaha LOL! Yeah even I would be willing to show some "class" for $3,000,000/yr.

Heck tell you what I will do it for a $1,000,000!!! So who wants to sign me up!

@cornbread1. He turned down how much? Someone's gotta have a talk with this guy about making good business decisions.

And boohoo about the English language again. Take a look at Nakata and Kawashima (the Japanese goalie) and how they've tried to learn English to expand their opportunities. This guy just wants to live in his own sheltered, predictable existence back in Japan.