Tyler White reportedly on cusp of heading to KBO
One time Houston Astros prospect Tyler White is looking to resurrect his career, and is reportedly on the cusp of signing with the SK Wyverns in the Korean Baseball Organization.
For a time, Tyler White was one of the Houston Astros’ more highly regarded prospects, although one without a clear avenue to playing time. When he had a chance, he performed well, until everything bottomed out in 2019. A midseason trade to the Dodgers did not help White either, as he struggled in LA before being sent to the minors.
After he was removed from the Dodgers’ 40 man roster, it was clear that he needed another opportunity. That may come in the Korean Baseball Organization, where White is reportedly close to signing with the SK Wyverns.
From 2016 through 2018, White was a solid player when he had the opportunity. In 570 plate appearances, or approximately a full season’s worth, he produced a .248/.319/.458 batting line, worth a 112 OPS+. He hit 23 homers and 34 doubles, showing respectable pop while seeing time at first, second, third, and left.
Everything fell apart in 2019. White struggled with the Astros, posting a .225/.320/.330 batting line with three homers and 14 doubles in his 253 plate appearances before being sent to Los Angeles. His production with the Dodgers was even worse, as White had just one hit in 26 plate appearances.
At 29 years old, and just one season removed from another solid showing with the bat, the Dodgers did not feel he was even worth bringing on to the 60 man roster. He will now seek to rebuild his value in the KBO, even though he will only see a few weeks of action.
Yet, that could be all he needs. If healthy, White had been a solid source of power, someone that can be a useful piece in the lineup. If he performs well with the Wyverns over the next few weeks, and shows that he is healthy once again, it would not be a surprise if he was to get another look at the majors in 2021.
Tyler White is reportedly heading to the Korean Baseball Organization and is about to sign with the SK Wyverns. That move could be just what he needs to rebuild his value and find his way back to the majors.