Hiroki Kuroda has been telling those close to him that his preference as a free agent is to return to Southern California.

The belief earlier in the offseason had been that he would either re-sign with the Yankees or return to his native Japan. However, the Angels and Dodgers have emerged as suitors.

Kuroda's two daughters are attending elementary school in Southern California.

He turned down New York's one-year qualifying offer of $13.3 million.