Right-hander Hiroki Kuroda has rejected the New York Yankees' $14.1 million qualifying offer and become a free agent, the team announced Monday.
Kuroda's decision was expected. He turned down the same offer last season before re-signing with the Yankees for $15 million.
The Yankees, however, fully intend to keep the 38-year-old Kuroda, who general manager Brian Cashman dubbed as the team ace this past season.
The Yankees will continue to negotiate with Kuroda, who went 11-13 with a 3.31 ERA in 201⅓ innings this year.