MLB Free Agency: Will Brian Cashman Finally Get the Japanese Pitcher He Wants?

With their recent signing of Chris Capuano to round out their starting rotation, the Los Angeles Dodgers have bid farewell to Hiroki Kuroda, a man who called Dodger Stadium home for the past four years.

In response, Kuroda and his agent have let it be known that the 36-year-old righty is willing and able to sign with anyone and everyone—including the Hiroshima Carp, the team he spent the first 10 years of his professional career with.

Kuroda should be no stranger to Yankee fans. Back in July, we looked at the possibility of the Yankees acquiring Kuroda at the trade deadline.

Back then, Kuroda had no interest in waiving his no-trade clause and remained true to his word that he would veto any trade to the East Coast.

But now that things have changed and Kuroda seemingly wants to continue his MLB career, does he remain a good fit for the Yankees starting rotation?

And what of Yu Darvish, the Japanese phenom who is expected to be posted sooner rather than later?

Kuroda would be a vastly cheaper option than Darvish—both in terms of years and dollars.

While Darvish has yet to throw a pitch in a major league game, Kuroda has four quality seasons under his belt. An average season for Kuroda has been 12-14 with a 3.45 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 208 innings

On the horizon, the Yankees are faced with two things.

First, the continued development and eventual arrival of a handful of talented starting pitchers in the minors—Adam Warren, David Phelps, Dellin Betances, D.J. Mitchell and Manny Banuelos.

Second, the free agent class of 2013 is expected to be overflowing with quality starting pitching that is available.

When you put those things together, signing Kuroda to a short-term contract while passing on Darvish, who by all accounts will likely cost Daisuke Matsuzaka-like money to sign, makes a ton of sense for the Yankees.

Maybe, just in time for Christmas, Brian Cashman will get the gift he's been asking for since the middle of the summer.