It’s the last game.
It was dramatic. Samsung is embracing a new foreign hitter named Lewin Diaz. The team officially announced its contract on Wednesday. The deal amounts to a total of 170,000 U.S. dollars, including 50,000 dollars in annual salary, 20,000 dollars in options, and 100,000 dollars in transfer fees. It was only one day before the deadline. According to KBO regulations, new foreigners must complete the process of joining the team by Friday, including visa issuance, in order to participate in the post season. Diaz arrived in Korea early in the morning on the day. If there are no variables such as weather conditions, he will play in the Futures League with NC on Wednesday to adjust his senses.
He is the last player to take the throne. He replaced foreign batters twice in this season alone. David McKinnon was the resource he chose before the season. He had a batting average of 0.294, 36 RBIs and 28 runs in 72 games. He had ups and downs. More than anything, he left a big disappointment in terms of slugging capability including four homers. Ruden Cardenas, who he had ambitiously recruited, ended up saving his weight after seven games. He thus released the fewest games in history as a foreign hitter. Due to back pain, he failed to play properly. His loose plays sparked controversy over his poor performance. 토토사이트
Samsung had to prepare for a contingency situation. This is why Samsung’s moves have been made so fast since the time when Cadenas’ injury issue arose. The team has looked everywhere from the U.S. independent league to the Mexican, Japanese and Taiwanese leagues. It is no exaggeration to say that it is a race against time. There was not much time left. They reached consensus with Diaz, but had to take into account the circumstances of his team. As the Korean team was in the midst of PS, it was difficult to give up Diaz easily. After various discussions, they reached an agreement. The visa issuance, which they had been concerned about, was handled faster than expected.
As a left-handed hitter at first base, Diaz is 188 centimeters tall and weighs 105 kilograms. He made his Major League debut for the Miami Marlins in the 2020 season. He has not left a brilliant career behind. He had a batting average of 0.181 with 13 home runs in 112 games during three seasons. He hit double-digit homers (20-19-17) for three consecutive years starting from the 2021 Minor League Triple-A season. He played for Campeche and Mexico City in the Mexican league this season. He had a batting average of 0.375 with 19 home runs and 77 RBIs in OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.099 in 75 games.
No further replacement is possible. Samsung is aiming for the throne beyond fall baseball this season. The role of a foreign hitter is important. The best scenario is to display a shot at the center at the critical moment. He is facing the challenge of adapting quickly. As he joined the team late, it is important that he integrate into the team stably. “Diaz not only has strong slugging capability but also strong defense capability at the first base. He is expected to adapt quickly as he has a strong attitude and passion to the team,” Samsung said.