Overview
- He left South Korea earlier than planned to return to the United States, with strong interest from Major League clubs but no agreement announced.
- The Athletic reports he could secure a three-year contract worth at least $30 million, potentially exceeding $40 million and the Erick Fedde precedent.
- He dominated 2025 for Hanwha at 17-1 with a 1.89 ERA and a record 252 strikeouts, earning league MVP and the Choi Dong-won Award.
- Evaluators note a fastball now around 95 mph and a newly added splitter that transformed his strikeout profile after a modest early MLB stint.
- Hanwha moved to cover his likely departure by signing Wilkel Hernandez, while U.S. reports have linked possible fits such as the Giants, Padres, Mets, Rangers and Cubs.