According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the San Diego Padres post the highest bid for Korean left-handed pitcher Kim Kwang-Hyun. The bid was exactly $2 million. Kim’s team, SK Wyverns, might not accept. Reportedly wanted $10 million in order to let him go to the MLB.
Sources: #Padres post high bid for Korean LHP Kim Kwang-Hyun. Bid was $2M. Kim’s team, SK Wyverns, might not accept. Reportedly wanted $10M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 11, 2014
Kim went 13-9 with a 3.33 ERA for his team in the Korean Baseball Organization in 2014. Many teams are referencing back to before his tragic stroke, when he was the most dominant in Korea. If he can regain that status, Kim would be a number one or two in an MLB rotation.
The issue with Kim is his low-90’s fastball and flat change-up. That might be the case of struggle if he came to America. However, the Padres do not care.
The Padres are looking to the international market to improve their pitching staff, especially with the budget they have. It may turn out great, but it may also crash and burn.
It would also me good for the pitching staff if the team can bring back Josh Johnson. According to reports, they will try and do just that.
The Korean Baseball Organization works just like the old Japanese League posting rules for international free agents. That means, if the bid is accepted, the Padres will have 30 days to negotiate a deal.
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