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San Francisco Giants: Justin Bour heading to Korea

By David Hill

June 11, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Justin Bour (41) hits a three run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
June 11, 2019; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Justin Bour (41) hits a three run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Bour was a worthwhile investment for the San Francisco Giants on a minor league contract. As Brandon Belt had not been a paragon of health lately, and Bour had once been a solid power hitter, he made perfect sense as organizational depth in case something happened.

However, Bour had been struggling at Triple-A this season. He had posted a meager .213/.346/.426 batting line in his 130 plate appearances, hitting six homers and five doubles. The power and on base percentage are still there, but Bour just did not look as though he would be able to contribute at the major league level any longer.

Justin Bour leaving San Francisco Giants organization for Korea

Bour and the Giants appear to have realized the same. According to reports, Bour has been let out of his contract to join the LG Twins in the Korean Baseball Organization, where he will presumably finish out the year in an attempt to get his career back on track.

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There was a time when Bour was a solid power hitter. The Marlins had plucked him from the Cubs organization during the 2013 Rule V Draft and appeared to have a respectable building block. From 2015 through 2017, he had posted a solid .272/.344/.498 batting line in 1196 plate appearances, hitting 63 homers and 50 doubles. His 129 OPS+ was respectable for a first baseman, and he seemed to be someone that Miami could build their lineup around.

He scuffled with the Marlins in 2018 before he was traded to the Phillies. Once he left Miami, his production dropped off dramatically. He was allowed to leave after the 2018 season, and spent only 52 games in the majors with the Angels the following year.

Given that the power still appears to be there, Bour could do well for himself in Korea. Even if he is unable to return to the majors, other former MLBers have gone overseas to become superstars. It is entirely possible that Bour follows that path, even if it is not the career he would have envisioned.

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The San Francisco Giants are reportedly letting Justin Bour out of his contract so that he can sign in Korea. It is the best move for both sides.

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