I made a realistic choice! Recruitment of NC Yokishi in a surprise move "The fastest to join"

Jul 31, 2024

에릭 요키시. Sports Chosun DB

NC Dinos recruited left-hander Eric Jokish as a substitute foreign player on the 31st. The terms of the contract are 100,000 dollars (about 138 million won) per year.

Yokishi, who made his KBO League debut with the Kiwoom Heroes in 2019, played as an ace for Kiwoom from the 2019-2023 season and recorded 56 wins, 36 losses, and a 2.85 ERA in 773 ⅓ innings in 130 games.

Lim Sun-nam, head of the NC Dinos, said "As a result of considering multiple candidates, including Yokishi, we judged that Yokishi is the best among the players who can come to Korea the fastest in the current foreign market." I cross-checked various parts, including Yokishi's physical condition, and decided to make a decision. Yokishi is a proven resource in the KBO League and has a lot of experience, and the advantage is that he runs the game based on his stable ball control. He said, "I expect that his ability to induce ground balls and strikeouts will be of great help to the team."

Yokishi thanked the NC Dinos for giving him a good opportunity. I can't wait to meet Changwon's great stadium and passionate fans. I know the role the team wants from me and I want to do that well. I will try to win every game for the team."

Castano, the starting pitcher of NC, is pitching hard in a game between NC and Hanwha at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon on the 7th. Daejeon = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2024.06.07/

Meanwhile, NC released foreign pitcher Daniel Castano on the 28th. Castano made his KBO League debut this season and recorded an 8-6 record with a 4.35 ERA in 111 ⅔ innings in 19 games, but he decided it was difficult to throw a powerful ball due to a number of recent problems and eventually chose to replace it. At the time of release, NC decided to compete in the top five rankings based on its recent slump and stable performance" he once said.

에릭 요키시. Sports Chosun DB

NC, which had been in final negotiations over the final candidate group as a replacement foreign player, quickly joined the team and placed players who could adapt quickly to the KBO league as a top priority. In the recent foreign player market, where it is not easy to recruit major league-class players, Yokishi is the most suitable card. After saying goodbye to Kiwoom last year, Yokishi spent time in personal training. I didn't have a team, but I've built my body well.

Last month, the Doosan Bears came into Korea to take a test in person to recruit Brandon Waddell's injury replacement. Even at that time, even though there were concerns about the sense of practice, such as a maximum speed of 143 kilometers, it was judged as an immediate sense of strength, adding to his skill. Yokishi, who went back to the U.S. when Doosan chose Shirakawa K-sho, returned to Korea soon after the contract with NC was signed.

After arriving in Korea in early August and completing necessary administrative procedures such as visa issuance, Yokishi plans to adjust the schedule for the mound.

The following is an interview with Yokishi's impressions of joining NC, which was revealed through the club.

-How do you feel about joining NC

▶ I'm very happy to join a great KBO club like the NC Dinos. I've had a lot of respect since I met him as an opposing team before. I'm very excited to play the rest of the season together.

-This season's goal

▶My number one goal is to help the Dinos advance to the postseason for now. I will do my best to reach the Korean Series as well as the postseason with all the capabilities I have.

-Say something to NC fans

We are very excited to meet you at ▶ Changwon NC Park. We won't be able to continue the rest of the season without your support. Please give us a lot of support.

youll@sportschosun.com