“Unfortunately, but it would be nice if he returns.”
LG Twins manager Youm Kyoung-youb expressed his sadness over the release of Ko Woo-seok, who is challenging the big leagues in the United States.
U.S. 'MLB.com' reported on the 18th (Korea time), “Ko Woo-seok has been released by the Miami Marlins. He has gained free agent (FA) status.”
Manager Youm Kyoung-youb expressed his regret on the 18th at Jamsil Stadium regarding the Ko Woo-seok issue, saying, “The first thing about Woo-seok is that it is unfortunate. He challenged himself, but it has turned out to be an unfortunate situation.”
He continued, “If he returns, that would be his first priority. If he wants to challenge in the MLB, he will look for opportunities here and there, and if he decides to return to Korea, I believe the Director General will handle it well. Personally, I would be glad if he returns.”
From now on, Ko Woo-seok is a free agent. He may pursue contracts with other big league teams in the U.S. Alternatively, he may choose to return to Korea. If Ko Woo-seok decides to return to the KBO League, he must come back to his original team, LG.
The Miami team released Ko Woo-seok while paying him a salary of $2.25 million (about 3 billion won) this year. LG can bring Ko Woo-seok back without any transfer fee and without bearing his remaining salary. If Ko Woo-seok decides to return to Korea, he can sign a contract with LG immediately and play in the KBO League. It depends on Ko Woo-seok's decision.
Manager Youm Kyoung-youb reiterated, “If Woo-seok comes, it will be a boost for our team, so it seems the first decision is how Woo-seok decides. I think the next step will be handled well by the Director General.”
After winning the Korean Series in 2023, Ko Woo-seok entered the U.S. with a two-year contract worth $4.25 million through posting with the San Diego Padres. However, he started the season in the minor leagues and was traded to the Miami Marlins in May 2023. Even after moving to Miami, he did not make his big league debut and played in Triple-A and Double-A minor leagues.
This season, Ko Woo-seok faced difficulties right from the start due to a finger fracture injury during spring training. After completing rehabilitation, he moved up to Miami's Triple-A. Recently, he recorded 1 hold and a 1.59 earned run average (ERA) over five games in Triple-A, continuing to hope for a big league debut. However, Miami released Ko Woo-seok on the 18th.
Ko Woo-seok, who joined LG as the first overall pick in 2017, has been active as a closer since 2019 and has appeared in 354 games until 2023, recording 19 wins, 26 losses, 139 saves, and an earned run average of 3.18.
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