KBO’s LG Twins close to adding Rio Ruiz to roster

Rio Ruiz, who saw time with the Baltimore Orioles and Colorado Rockies in 2021, is reportedly close to inking a deal with the LG Twins of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).

Looking to kickstart his career, Rio Ruiz is likely heading to the KBO’s LG Twins

A fourth-round draft pick of the Houston Astros back in 2012, Ruiz was traded by the Astros along with minor leaguer Andrew Thurman and Mike Foltynewicz to the Atlanta Braves for Evan Gattis and James Hoyt. Ruiz would make his MLB debut with the Braves on September 18, 2016, and would see action with the team over the next three seasons, including 150 at-bats in 2017.

However, Ruiz could never his bat to wake up with the Braves, slashing .189/.282/.302 in 72 games over those three campaigns and he was placed on waivers after the 2018 season.

Picked up by Baltimore, he would fare somewhat better with the Orioles over the next two-plus seasons, posting a .220/.292/.380 slash line in 213 games. However, he was placed on waivers this May, where the Rockies picked him up. He saw minimal time with Colorado, however, getting just 40 plate appearances before electing free agency in October.

Ruiz has seen time at third base in 228 career games, but also has logged time at second base, first base, and left field. His time in the outfield has only happened during the last two seasons as Ruiz has tried to expand his versatility in an effort to stick a spot on a roster.

However, it’s been his bat that has been his biggest issue. His career slash line of .212/.287/.357 is hard to overlook. A left-handed batter, Ruiz has had much better success against lefties in his career, so a platoon option could well be the best fit for him until he can show success against all pitchers.

As reported by MLBTradeRumors.com, once Ruiz signs, he will become teammates with former MLB players Casey Kelly and Adam Plutko, who was also signed by the LG Twins earlier this month.