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Former Seattle Mariners pitcher Ariel Miranda staying in KBO

By David Hill

ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 30: Ariel Miranda #37 of the Seattle Mariners in the third inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 30, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JUNE 30: Ariel Miranda #37 of the Seattle Mariners in the third inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 30, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Ariel Miranda has changed his career trajectory since heading over to South Korea. The former Seattle Mariners‘ pitcher had been a replaceable major league arm before taking a tour of Asia, spending time in Japan and Taiwan before heading to South Korea for the 2021 campaign.

After a dominant season in the Korean Baseball Organization in 2021, Miranda is coming back. He has signed a one year contract worth $1.9 million to return to the Doosan Bears.

Former Seattle Mariners pitcher Ariel Miranda staying with Doosan Bears

Miranda was middling at best during his time in the majors. He posted a 4.72 ERA and a 1.247 WHiP in his 223 major league innings, striking out 186 batters with 85 walks. His biggest issue came due to his inability to keep the ball in the park, as Miranda allowed 49 homers during his brief time in the majors.

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While he was solid in Japan and Taiwan, he found another gear in South Korea. Miranda posted an excellent 14-5 record with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.140 WHiP in his 173.2 innings, striking out 225 batters with just 63 walks. He was a key part of the Bears’ ability to reach the Korean Series, although they were unable to win the championship.

It is not a surprise that Miranda received plenty of accolades for his performance. His 225 strikeouts are a record in the KBO, surpassing Choi Dong-won’s 223 strikeouts in 1984. Miranda won the Choi Dong-won award, the KBO version of the Cy Young, and was named the league MVP.

In a way, it is surprising that he returned to the Bears. That performance would have likely generated some interest stateside had he wished to return. However, with the ongoing lockout, Miranda will get a guaranteed payday, one that is significantly more than the $800,000 he made last year. Likewise, his one year deal would allow Miranda to return to the majors after the 2022 campaign if he so desired.

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Former Seattle Mariners pitcher Ariel Miranda dominated during his time with the Doosan Bears in 2021. It is understandable that he is back in the KBO for 2022.

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