The choice of Go Woo-seok, who experienced the pain of being released, was to remain in the U.S. rather than return to the LG Twins.
On the night of the 24th (Korea time), prominent journalist Chris McCosky of the U.S. 'Detroit News' reported Go Woo-seok's move to the Detroit Tigers through his personal SNS account.
McCosky noted, "The Detroit Tigers have signed a minor league contract with Korea's right-handed pitcher Go Woo-seok," adding, "Go Woo-seok will soon turn 27, and he has spent about two seasons with the Triple-A team under the Miami Marlins."
Go Woo-seok, who was affiliated with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Triple-A team under the Miami Marlins, became a free agent after abruptly receiving a release notification on the 18th.
Although there were claims of a return to the LG Twins in the KBO League, Go Woo-seok's choice was to remain in the U.S. According to the baseball community, Go Woo-seok visited the Toledo Mud Hens, a Triple-A team of the Detroit Tigers based in Toledo, Ohio, on the 24th, met with officials, and signed a contract with the minor league terms stated.
Go Woo-seok signed a two-year contract worth $4.5 million with the San Diego Padres through the posting system last January. He will receive $1.75 million in 2024 and $2.25 million in 2025, with a mutual option of $3 million in 2026.
Contrary to expectations, Go Woo-seok struggled in spring training and failed to make the opening roster. He was then sent down to the Double-A league, facing challenges.
Go Woo-seok also struggled in Double-A, with 10 games resulting in 2 losses and 1 save, earning an earned run average of 4.38. On May 5 of last year, he was traded to Miami, which sent him down to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, a Triple-A team rather than keeping him in the major leagues.
Life in Miami was a series of challenges. Go Woo-seok faced humiliation when he was put on release watch within less than a month and was demoted to the Double-A club, Pensacola, after deciding to remain in Miami.
After finishing the season, Go Woo-seok joined the major league spring camp in early this year as a player invited, suffering an unfortunate finger fracture on his right hand. After undergoing rehabilitation, he demonstrated competitiveness with an earned run average of 1.59 in 5 Triple-A games starting in May, but there was no place for him to play in Jacksonville.
Go Woo-seok, who was drafted in the first round by the LG Twins in the 2017 rookie draft, served as a reliable closer for LG since 2019. Until 2023, he recorded a total of 354 games over 7 seasons, achieving 19 wins, 26 losses, 139 saves, and 6 holds with an earned run average of 3.18. He first claimed the title of Save King in 2022 with an earned run average of 1.48 and 42 saves, establishing himself as the best closer in the league.
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