Fans Are Re-Trying the ML, Ace Who Left Samsung's Heartbeat...Kim Ha-sung's minor contract with TB
Feb 09, 2025
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There were many twists and turns, but ace Connor Seabold (29), who left after resonating with Samsung Lions fans at the end, got a chance to try again in the U.S. Major League Baseball. Attention is focusing on whether he will be able to enjoy the big league with infielder Kim Ha-sung (30), who recently signed an FA contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Tampa Bay Times reported on the 9th (Korea time) 'Tampa Bay added two players with major league experience, bringing the current number of spring camp rosters to 72. Pitcher Connor Seabold and catcher Tres Barrea signed minor league contracts with Tampa Bay, reports said. Connor will be invited to the big league spring camp and will sweat hard with the goal of entering the opening roster.
Connor showed off his huge presence last year while playing in Korea for just one year. First of all, the ball power is outstanding. Connor was expected to be an ace as he signed a $1 million (about 1.4 billion won) contract with Samsung ahead of last season.
The U.S. media 'MLB Trade Rumors' compared the corner to Eric Peddy (32, St. Louis Cardinals). Peddy became the first foreign pitcher to win three titles and win the MVP of the regular season with 30 games, 20-6, 180 ⅓ innings, 209 strikeouts, and an ERA of 2.00 for the NC Dinos in 2023, before returning to the Major League. The media predicted that Connor will write a successful case of KBO reverse export after Pedi.
Connor was 11-6 with 160 innings, 158 strikeouts and a 3.43 ERA in 28 games last season. Although it did not peak in the KBO League like Peddy, it helped Samsung advance to the fall baseball league as second place in the regular season by ranking at the top of the league in various indicators.
However, evaluations toward the corner were mixed during the season. First of all, he couldn't hide his hot-tempered personality. When Connor was pitching, he dug the mound with a spike if he didn't like the mound, and at the same time, he got angry and threw the ball. At the end of the season, he left due to pain in his right scapula and returned to the U.S. for rehab during the postseason. It was initially misunderstood that Connor's injury was not severe, but it turned out that it was difficult to return early. In the end, Connor did not return to Korea until the end of the Korean Series and ended the season.
Connor expressed his sincerity by writing a letter on his SNS when Samsung finished second in the Korean Series and finished the season. All the letters were written in Korean. As he conveyed his true feelings with this letter, Connor was able to erase the negative image.
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Corner also added "All of these things were not possible without the fans. Thank you so much for allowing me, my foreign colleagues, and my family to feel like home. You are the heart of Samsung. I felt your energy throughout the season, so we were able to have such a great season. Thank you for making this year special. I don't know what my future holds, but I sincerely thank my colleagues and fans. Samsung, way to go!"We received a late warm cheer by saying hello to our fans.
Connor made his major league debut for the Boston Red Sox in 2021 and transferred to the Colorado Rockies in 2023 where he was guaranteed a little more opportunity. His overall performance in the three big league seasons is 33 games (19 starts), 1-11, 108 ⅔ innings, and an 8.12 ERA. It is evaluated that the completeness of breaking balls such as strong fastballs, changeups, and sliders in the average speed of 150km is high.
MLB Trade Rumors said `Connor pitched pretty well in the KBO club Samsung last year. He recorded a strikeout rate of 23.8% and a walk rate of 6% in 160 innings and an ERA of 3.43. This is Connor's first season abroad, and it's not surprising that he's showing good performance and trying to throw the ball back in the U.S. Connor's achievements in the KBO League were impressive. Tampa Bay said, 'A talented club in correcting these pitchers and making the most of them.' and expected them to fit well with the new team.
Regarding Tampa Bay's corner utilization plan, MLB Trade Rumors said 'Tampa Bay is currently full of starting rotations. The bullpen is a little more fluid, so if it makes room for Connor, it is expected to be a swingman or a multi-inning reliever. Considering Connor's success in the KBO, it would be reasonable for Tampa Bay to continue increasing his chances. Even if it's not a big league bullpen, he will play as a depth-enhancing option for Triple-A.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
