Right-handed pitcher Spencer Watkins (31), who received interest from KBO League teams,
decided to remain in the United States. He agreed to a contract with the Washington Nationals.
Watkins announced on the 18th (Korean time) that he had agreed to a contract with Washington through his agency
Gaeta Sports Management’ SNS and expressed gratitude for the interest of KBO League clubs. 카지노사이트랭크
On the 14th, ‘MASN’ reporter Locke Cubaco said, ‘The number of KBO League teams to recruit former Baltimore Orioles pitcher Watkins has been narrowed down to two.
It appears that a decision is almost imminent,” he said, adding that Watkins is about to head to the KBO League.
However, ‘Official’ did not take off, and Watkins’ choice was to remain in the United States. Watkins said
I am truly grateful to all the teams in the KBO League and Japanese Professional Baseball who took the time to contact me and show interest.
He first expressed his gratitude to the teams for their interest, saying, “It is truly an honor to recognize his value as a foreign player with few available positions.”
Watkins continued, “After lengthy discussions with his family, he decided to remain in the United States. “I decided to take all factors into consideration
including my daughter’s expected birth date in January of next year,” he said.
My aspiration is to play baseball in Korea, Japan, or wherever, but for now, I’m focused on giving my daughter a healthy birth.
He made the decision for his family. explained.
Watkins also said, “I am pleased to announce the news of a contract agreement with Washington. “I hope he can contribute to the team.
It has not been revealed what the contract with Washington is, but Major League Trade Rumors (MLBTR) reported
Because Watkins does not have a minor league option, it is likely to be a minimum split contract.”
Watkins, who was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the 910th overall pick in the 30th round of the 2014 draft
was suspended for 50 games in April 2016 after testing positive for a second positive drug abuse test during his minor league days. He tested positive for narcotic substances
not performance-enhancing substances. There was talk that KBO League teams were reluctant to recruit Watkins because of this history.
Watkins, who was released by Detroit in July 2020, had the opportunity to make his big league debut after signing with Baltimore in January 2021.
After his big league debut in July of that year, he recorded 2 wins, 7 losses, and an ERA of 8.07 in 16 games (10 starts, 54⅔ innings).
In 2022, he performed well in 23 games (20 starts, 105⅓ innings) with 5 wins, 6 losses, and an ERA of 4.70.
He showed his competitiveness as a starter by using a four-seam fastball with an average speed of 91.4 miles (147.1 km) and a cutter, sweeper, and curve.
However, he started the season in Triple-A this year and was traded for cash to the Houston Astros in June. After being designated as a transfer (DFA) by Houston in August
he was claimed by the Oakland Athletics and transferred again. He received a big league call-up and started against the St. Louis Cardinals on August 16
but was sent down to the minor league after suffering a loss of 7 hits (2 home runs), 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, and 5 runs in 4⅓ innings.
His overall record in three major league seasons is 7 wins, 14 losses, and an average ERA of 5.97 in 40 games (31 starts, 164⅓ innings). In the minor league
he recorded 46 wins, 36 losses, and an average ERA of 4.70 in 149 games (122 starts, 709 innings) over 9 seasons. Considering his age and performance
he is the type of player that KBO League teams will continue to be interested in
so there is a possibility that we will be able to see him in Korea someday, even if not this year.
