"He's the best pitcher in the bullpen, but he's not on the 26-man roster. Will his dream come true?"
Feb 14, 2025
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Ko Woo-seok, who entered the Major League curiously, is the main character.
Ko Woo-seok, who led the LG Twins to victory in 2023 and suddenly applied for posting, signed a two-year contract with the San Diego Padres for a total of $4.5 million ($1.75 million in 2024 and $2.25 million in 2025) and moved to the U.S. As in the KBO League, he hoped to throw a fast ball from the Major League mound, but the wall was high. Ko Woo-seok, who failed to enter the Major League's opening roster, was later traded to Miami, and his performance fell and he also failed to make a major league call-up in Miami.
Last year's minor league record was 4 wins, 3 losses, 3 saves, 4 holds, and an ERA of 6.54, in 44 games.
Now in my second year in the U.S. This season, Ko Woo-seok's annual salary is $2.25 million. Considering the high salary in the Major League, it is a bargain, but in poor Miami, it is a high salary. He is the highest paid bullpen pitcher in Miami.
Perhaps that's why Ko Woo-seok was invited to the Major League Spring Camp despite his sluggish performance last year. However, not many people think about his entry into the major leagues. Local media expect a 26-man roster, but Ko Woo-seok's name is nowhere to be found. Given last year's performance, it is a natural expectation.
If he fails to make the overwhelming pitching shown in the KBO League this year, he will eventually have no choice but to pack up after the season and return to Korea and LG Twins, his original club. He may not even be able to take the mound in the Major League.
As an expensive player, Miami will of course be able to post if Ko Woo-seok shows good performance. However: Since it is a team that does not recruit FA and raises prospects, it may not even look at it if there is no possibility to use more players with a high potential.
Will Ko Woo-suk's dream come true. It is clear that Ko Woo-seok, who ate 'tear-soaked bread' for a year, has to throw a different ball than last year.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
