St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kwang Hyun Kim getting look from KBO

Kwang Hyun Kim has been considered one of the more intriguing arms left in free agency. The St. Louis Cardinals pitcher had been solid over the course of his two year deal, excelling as a starter and a reliever. He is the type of arm that may not generate headlines but could be a bargain.

However, Kim may not be available once the lockout ends. The SSG Landers of the Korean Baseball Organization have reportedly requested a formal status check on Kim with the idea of bringing him back home.

SSG Landers eyeing St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kwang Hyun Kim

The status check is a formality when it comes to players heading to other countries. This typically appears when major league teams are eyeing a free agent in Japan or South Korea, but happens when teams in those leagues are looking to add a player from the majors as well.

Kim should not have any difficulty finding a major league role once the lockout ends. He had a strong showing in 2021, posting a 3.46 ERA and a 1.284 WHiP in his 106.2 innings, striking out 80 batters with 39 walks. He held the opposition to a respectable .242/.313/.373 batting line in 452 plate appearances, serving as a solid piece of the Cardinals’ pitching staff.

With that performance, Kim would slot in well as a back of the rotation arm or a swingman. He would be particularly valuable in the shortened 2022 season as a depth option considering that spring training will be cut in half. Having arms such as Kim, instead of having to rely on Triple-A journeymen in time of injury, could make a tremendous difference.

But there is a difference between being a major league swingman and being an ace in the KBO. Kim would be a solid option here, but he would return to being a star with the Landers. He may also receive a better payday back in the KBO than he would in the majors.

The SSG Landers are eyeing St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kwang Hyun Kim. If the lockout drags on, a return to the KBO may be in the cards.