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Kwang-hyun Kim set to become another intriguing option

By David Hill

SAPPORO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 08: Starting pitcher Kim Kwanghyun #29 of South Korea throws in the bottom of the first inning during the WBSC Premier 12 match between Japan and South Korea at the Sapporo Dome on November 8, 2015 in Sapporo, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)
SAPPORO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 08: Starting pitcher Kim Kwanghyun #29 of South Korea throws in the bottom of the first inning during the WBSC Premier 12 match between Japan and South Korea at the Sapporo Dome on November 8, 2015 in Sapporo, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images) /
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According to reports, the SK Wyverns are set to post Kwang-hyun Kim, adding another intriguing arm to free agency.

Over the years, Kwang-hyun Kim has been a star Korean Baseball Organization. The stellar lefty has been a key part of the SK Wyverns success over the past dozen years, helping to lead the team to four championships in Korea. Kim has had many personal accolades as well, as he was named the 2008 KBO MVP, and won a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics, 2014 Asian Games, and the 2015 Premier12 Tournament. Quite simply, Kim knows how to win, and he has dominated as he has done so.

Yet, for all of his accolades, there is still one more accomplishment that he has yet to achieve. Kim has yet to pitch in the majors, leaving that one void in his resume. That may not be the case for much longer, as the Wyverns are set to make Kim available through the posting system.

This is not the first time that Kim has been posted. Back in 2014, the Wyverns put their star pitcher through the system, with the Padres winning the rights to negotiate a contract. However, after a physical, the two sides could not reach an agreement, with Kim returning to the KBO.

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Kim had another typically stellar year for the Wyverns in 2019. He posted a 17-6 record, along with a 2.51 ERA and a 1.240 WHiP over his 190.1 innings, striking out 180 batters with only 38 walks. In a league that has been as historically offensive heavy as the KBO, his performance has been impressive.

There are questions as to how Kim will translate to the majors. His best pitch is a devastating slider that is an excellent strikeout pitch, but the rest of his stuff is considered average at best. Kim also throws a low 90s fastball, a low 70s curve, and a changeup that sits in the upper 70s.

It is also questionable as to what Kim’s role would be in the majors. He is seen as a possible back of the rotation arm, given that he has only one plus offering. There is also the thought that he could be a long reliever, or possibly the bulk inning reliever following an opener, used in a Ryan Yarbrough/Jalen Beeks type of role.

Even with that seemingly unassuming profile, Kim is still generating attention. According to Ken Rosenthal, at least five teams (the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Mets, and Royals) have expressed a degree of interest in Kim. Of course, they will still need to match his desired salary demands, but he does have a market.

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Kwang-hyun Kim is once again looking to make his way over to the majors. Once he is officially posted, he will add another intriguing arm to the free agent market.

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