Editorials

Dodgers Rumors: Team Has Asked About Korean Pitcher Suk-Min Yoon

Suk-Min YoonPitchers and catchers report in three days for the Los Angeles Dodgers and they’re still looking for a starting pitcher. The Dodgers are reported finalists for right-hander Bronson Arroyo, but have been exploring all options and could be thinking about a move for a foreign pitcher.

According to J.P. Hoornstra of the LA Daily News, the team may have some interest in a certain Korean right-handed pitcher:



Yoon is represented by agent Scott Boras and has already received offers from four teams, none of which are the Dodgers. Last season, the Dodgers signed a Korean by the name of Hyun-Jin Ryu and he went on to have a solid rookie season, finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year vote. Yoon is a 27-year-old right-hander that’s been in the Korean Baseball Organization for nine seasons.

He began his career split as a starter and a reliever before becoming a full-time starter. Yoon doesn’t come with the hype or promise that Ryu showed and will come at a far lower price than the $36 million Ryu received. In two seasons in the KBO, Yoon went 15-7 with a 3.63 ERA, but only started 29 of 50 games he appeared in.

After Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka signed with the New York Yankees, the Dodgers have been looking for one more starting pitcher to compete with Josh Beckett and prospects for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. Besides Arroyo, the Dodgers haven’t been seriously linked with any other pitcher, but could throw themselves in the race for Yoon if they believe he can help the team. The Dodgers have taken chances on foreign talent in the past and the success of Ryu could prompt them to seriously consider his fellow countryman.

Expect the Dodgers to move quickly on whoever they decide to pursue so that they can be at Camelback Ranch for the beginning of camp.

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Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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