The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a deal with Korean pitcher Suk-Min Yoon, according to multiple reports.
Yoon’s deal is worth $5.75 million over three years, according to MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli. MLB Daily Dish’s Chris Cotillo reports that the total value of the contract could reach $13.075 million over the three seasons if all incentive clauses are met.
Yoon’s signing comes one day after the 27-year-old right-hander tweeted a photo of himself wearing an Orioles hat. It is the first significant move made by the O’s this offseason, although it’s obviously difficult to gauge how well Yoon will adapt to Major League Baseball in Year 1.
The Orioles have been unable to land a veteran starting pitcher this winter, and Yoon has experience both as a starter and reliever during his professional career. Yoon’s best season in the Korea Baseball Organization came in 2011, when he went 17-5 with a 2.45 ERA in 27 appearances (23 starts) and won MVP honors. According to reports, the pitcher’s 2013 season was plagued by a shoulder injury.
Yoon, who is represented by agent Scott Boras, reportedly drew plenty of attention this offseason, with the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins among the other teams previously linked to the Korean righty.
Yoon’s deal reportedly is pending a physical. While that seems like a minor step, it should be noted that the Orioles have voided agreements with reliever Grant Balfour and outfielder Tyler Colvin this offseason because of issues detected during physicals.
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Photo via Facebook/Suk-Min Yoon
