There's a reason why you opened your mind after going to the U.S., but not as a starter, but as a bullpen?

Jan 01, 2025

Former NC Kyle Hart. Sports Chosun DB

There was a reason why you opened your mind after crossing the U.S. Will an express contract be possible.

It is news that several major league teams are expressing their interest in former NC Dinos Kyle Hart. The U.S. 'The Athletic' also mentioned Hart in its final paragraph on the 1st (Korea time) in a report on non-contractors in the transfer market, including Jack Flaherty. Hart, who was a member of the Seattle Mariners until the 2023 season, played for the NC Dinos in the 2024 season.

Going to Korea was a successful choice as a result. He won 13-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 26 games this season and ranked first in the strikeout category (182K).

In the first half of the year, it was possible to win three gold medals. He ranked at the top in various categories, including ERA, multiple wins, and winning percentage. The second half of the year was a shame. Hearts, whose physical strength has fallen sharply after suffering from a bad cold, took longer than expected to return, and even after the second half, they did not show as much ball power as in the first half. There was also a hamstring injury.

Kyle Heart. Sports Chosun DB

Nevertheless, NC had been pushing to renew the contract in consideration of Hart's performance at a time when there was no injury. When Hart left Korea after the season, he said in a meeting with the club that he wanted to continue playing in Korea by signing a good contract" expressed his intention, but changed his mind after moving to the United States. As the news that Major League clubs are interested was reported through media reports, the player's mind was leaning toward the re-challenge of the big leagues. NC officials also said "After going to the U.S., I think the player's mind opened up."," he said bitterly.

In the end, Hart failed to show his willingness to renew his contract with NC. NC also moved quickly to recruit Logan Allen to replace Hart.

Hart's contract is relatively subordinate in the Major League transfer market. At a time when no special stories were told until the end of the year, specifically, there were stories about teams interested in Hearts. 'The Athletic' is one of the teams that the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles have expressed interest in.

The 2024 KBO Awards ceremony was held at Lotte Hotel World in Songpa-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 26th. NC Heart, who won the strikeout award, is delivering his acceptance speech through a video. Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.11.26/

The teams say they see Hearts as a starting resource or long relief for five or six. "The Athletic" expressed the market sentiment, saying, "As the left-hander (Heart) appeared to have revived his career in Korea, several clubs showed interest as a back-end starter or multi-inning reliever.'

Some say that teams that have expressed interest in Hart actually see him as a bullpen agent. 'MLBTR' seems to see him as a long-relief or swingman by the five teams mentioned as having an interest. Minnesota and the Yankees especially lack left-handed bullpens, so Hearts can be attractive to them."

However, it seems difficult for Hearts to sign a large contract like Eric Peddy a year ago. Peddy hit 'super jackpot' with two years and $15 million (about 22 billion won) when he signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox, but his attention to Hearts has fallen relatively. In particular, if the contract is pursued based on bullpen resources rather than starting pitchers, the conditions will inevitably be much lower. However, it is expected that a big league contract can be signed, not a minor contract.

Meanwhile, NC has the right to withhold Hearts in Korea. NC has included Hearts in the list of players on hold in 2025.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.