Failure to renew contract with SSG Will he be the first foreign player to replace him? Whenever the KBO team calls
Feb 25, 2025
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Roenis Elias, a Cuban pitcher who played for SSG Landers last year. He entered the KBO League by signing with SSG as a substitute for the 2023 season, and succeeded in renewing his contract with an 8-6 record and a 3.70 ERA in 22 games that year.
SSG re-signed Elias for up to $1 million ahead of the 2024 season. In fact, he has to play the role of the first starter. But in his mid-to-late 30s, injuries, big and small, plagued him. He failed to play the regular innings due to an injury break in the middle of the season, and the final result was also disappointing. Last year, he recorded 7 wins and 7 losses with a 4.08 ERA in 22 games.
But I also saw hope. He was particularly strong in big games, living up to his nickname "Big Game Feature". He pitched well in the postseason in the 2023 season, and last year, he saved the spark of hope with his perfect tiebreaker against KT Wiz.
Unfortunately, however, he failed to renew his contract with SSG. SSG has signed Mitch White from the big leaguer as he tries to find a 'Aceweight' pitcher instead of Elias. Another foreign pitcher, Drew Anderson, was re-signed.
Elias, who failed to renew his contract with SSG, signed a contract with Taiwanese professional team Fubang Guardians. After moving to Taiwan, he took the mound as the starting pitcher for a practice game against the NC Dinos at Tainan Asia-Pacific Stadium on the 25th.
Although it was a different team, it was nice to meet NC players after a long time and greet them. I talked to Matt Davidson for a long time and greeted other Korean players with pleasure.
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He signed a contract with Fubang, saying, `I was sorry to leave Korea, but I can't help it. I'm just thinking of working hard as I start over from the new team. Everything is good, and he is currently in very good condition. He strengthened his will.
With Elias leaving, SSG's teammate and batter Guillermo Herredia, who is also from Cuba, became a little lonely. Elias also laughed and "I'm not there, so perhaps Eredia is bored. I still keep in touch with Herredia frequently," he smiled.
Even if he took off his SSG uniform in regret, he still retains his memories in the KBO League. Elias said "The times I played in SSG were the best of my entire baseball career. I can't forget the support of SSG fans. It was such a happy time for me," he said, expressing his appreciation.
Although preparing for the season in Taiwan, there is a possibility of making a comeback in Korea at any time. In particular, if he maintains good performance in the Taiwanese league, some teams may choose Elias as an injury replacement or replacement.
When asked what he would do if he got a love call from the KBO League again, Elias said, `Of course it's good. Why wouldn't I like it?" he said, hoping for a chance to meet Korean fans again.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
