Summary of the Article: MLB Teams Increasingly Relying on KBO & NPB for Pitching Talent
This article details a growing trend in Major League Baseball: teams are actively scouting and signing pitchers who have developed or revitalized their careers in overseas leagues, specifically the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) and Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Here are the key points:
* Pitcher Reclamation: The KBO and NPB are becoming proving grounds for pitchers who are struggling in the US, offering them opportunities to refine their skills, earn good salaries, and gain valuable experience.
* Success Stories: Players like Cody Ponce, Merrill Kelly, Drew Anderson, and others have found significant success in MLB after playing in the KBO or NPB, securing lucrative contracts. Ponce, for example, had a record-breaking season in the KBO.
* Driving factors: This shift is driven by:
* Data Analytics: Teams are recognizing the potential in pitchers with “raw stuff” who may need a different habitat to flourish.
* Scouting Priorities: Foreign leagues are now attracting pitchers with more potential, allowing them to experiment and improve.
* Cost-Effectiveness: Overseas leagues offer a cheaper option for teams seeking pitching talent.
* Changing Perception: Playing overseas is no longer seen as a “last resort” but as a viable mid-career option for players stuck in the minor leagues.
* Specific Examples: The article highlights recent contracts signed by pitchers coming from these leagues (Anderson, Weiss, Kay, Griffin) demonstrating the financial investment MLB teams are making.
In essence, the article portrays a significant change in how MLB teams are evaluating and acquiring pitching talent, recognizing the value of experience and advancement gained in the KBO and NPB.
