The Cubs are not expected to sign Korean right-hander Suk-Min Yoon, according to a report from Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.
Cubs not expected to sign Suk-Min Yoon
Despite scouting the Korean right-hander in Arizona, the Cubs are not expected to sign Suk-Min Yoon.
Chung Sung-Jun
Although the Cubs watched Yoon throw a 30-pitch bullpen session with the Rangers on Tuesday, the team is unlikely to get into a bidding war for the 27-year-old. A number of teams have been linked with Yoon over the past week, including the Orioles, Twins, Giants, and Red Sox. The Orioles reportedly offered Yoon a deal on Monday, per Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, though it's unknown how long and how much the offer was worth.
Yoon is said to be looking for a multi-year contract, but he suffered an unknown shoulder injury in 2013, making many teams wary of making a long-term commitment to the right-hander.
The Scott Boras client pitched in 30 games for the Kia Tigers in 2013, often appearing out of the bullpen due to his injury. He finished with a 4.00 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 87.2 innings. Although his fastball is generally in the low-to-mid 90s, he experienced a dip in velocity last year, which is further cause for concern among MLB teams.
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Yoon does have a stellar track record of success in Korea, winning the KBO’s MVP back in 2011 when he went 17-5 with a 2.45 ERA and over four times as many strikeouts as walks. He posted a 3.12 ERA over 153 innings in 2012.
Yoon will look to follow in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Hyun-jin Ryu, who had a strong rookie season with the Dodgers in 2013. Yoon would be the 15th South Korean to play in the majors, and other notables include Shin-soo Choo, Chan Ho Park, and Hee Seop Choi.
The 27-year-old is expected to throw more bullpen sessions for teams in the days ahead and is reportedly looking for a spot in a major league starting rotation. Much of that will depend on his injury and whichever team signs him.
For now, however, the Cubs don’t look to be interested in Yoon’s services.
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