Table of Contents
A trio of former MLB players have signed new contracts to continue their careers in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), bringing in major talent for the league’s 2025 season.
Guillermo Heredia Back with SSG Landers
Groundskeeper Guillermo Heredia is set to return for his third season with the SSG Landers after signing a $1.6 million contract that includes an additional $200K in incentives (as reported by MyKBO.net’s Dan Kurtz). The Cuban-born outfielder was a star in the KBO, posting a stellar .360/.399/.538 batting average in 2024 with 21 home runs and 31 doubles. In two seasons in Korea, Heredia has a cumulative average of .343/.393/.502, a notable increase from his time in MLB, where he was primarily used as a backup fielder for five teams, most recently the Atlanta Braves in 2022. With this contract, SSG Landers have confirmed their trio of foreign players for next season, which also includes Mitch White and Drew Anderson, who re-signed earlier this month.
James Naile Rimane con i Kia Tigers
The Kia Tigers also secured a key member of their pitching staff, re-signing right-hander James Naile to a $1.6 million contract, with an additional $200K available in incentives, according to Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News. Naile, preparing for his second season in the KBO, shined in his first year, capturing the league’s ERA title with an outstanding 2.53 over 149 1/3 innings. His outstanding performance played a crucial role in the Tigers’ success in the Korean Series title chase. Naile had a brief scare late in the season when he was hit in the jaw by a comebacker, but managed to recover in time and contribute during the championship series. Originally picked in the 20th round of the MLB draft out of UAB, Naile made 17 appearances for the St. Louis Cardinals between 2022 and 2023 before heading to Korea. The Tigers also signed right-hander Adam Oller earlier this offseason, but it remains to be seen whether they will bring back outfielder Socrates Brito, who spent the last three seasons with the Kia, coming off a solid .310/.359/ season .516.
Victor Reyes returns to Lotte Giants
Outfielder Victor Reyes will continue his career in Korea, signing a $1 million contract with the Lotte Giants, which includes $250,000 in incentives (per Kurtz). Reyes put up impressive numbers in his debut season in KBO, averaging .352/.394/.511, 40 doubles and 15 home runs for Lotte. The switch-hitting centerfielder, now 30, previously played five MLB seasons with the Detroit Tigers, amassing a .264/.294/.379 batting average in nearly 400 games between 2018 and 2022. Giants have two remaining spots available for foreign players, both of which are expected to be used for pitchers. Charlie Barnes and Aaron Wilkerson filled those roles in 2024, but it’s still unclear whether either of them will return to the Giants next season.
KBO teams beef up rosters with familiar faces
The reappointments of Heredia, Naile and Reyes reflect the KBO teams’ commitment to bringing back established talent who has already made an impact in the league. With each player coming off a successful season, their respective clubs hope to carry that momentum forward into 2025. The SSG Landers, Kia Tigers and Lotte Giants are all aiming for another strong season, and retaining these key players is a positive step in that direction as the KBO seeks to continue to showcase exciting international talent.
## KBO Attracting Talent: A Conversation
**Introduction:**
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) continues to become an attracttive destination for former MLB players seeking new opportunities. Three talented players - Guillermo Heredia, James Naile, and Victor Reyes – have recently re-signed with their KBO clubs, signaling a growing trend of established talent looking towards Korean baseball. We’ve invited two renowned baseball analysts, **David Kim** and **Sarah Lee**, to discuss the implications of these signings and the broader landscape of KBO’s increasing global presence.
**Purpose:**
Our discussion today aims to delve deeper into the reasons behind these players’ decisions, the impact they’ll have on their respective teams, and what these signings say about the evolving dynamic between Major League Baseball and the KBO.
**Discussion:**
### **Guillermo Heredia’s Success in Korea:**
**Host:** Guillermo Heredia has thrived in the KBO, posting impressive offensive numbers for the SSG Landers. What do you think has contributed to his success in Korea, Sarah?
**Sarah Lee:** “I think Heredia’s success stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, the KBO’s offensive-friendly environment allows players like Heredia, who have above-average hitting ability, to truly flourish. Secondly, the level of pitching in the KBO might be a step down from what he faced in the MLB, allowing him to capitalize on his strengths. And the change of scenery and a newfound role as a star player seem to have greatly benefited his confidence and performance.”
**Host:** David, what are your thoughts on Heredia’s decision to return to the Landers for another season?
**David Kim:** “It’s a smart move for both Heredia and the Landers. Heredia has found a comfortable niche in Korea, and he’s clearly a valued asset for the team. For Heredia, it’s a chance to continue his resurgence as a player and potentially earn a bigger payday in the future. The Landers, meanwhile, have secured a proven hitter who can help them compete for a championship.”
### **Naile’s Dominant Debut:**
**Host:** James Naile won the KBO ERA title in his inaugural season with the Kia Tigers. What makes him so effective in the KBO, David?
**David Kim:**
“Naile’s dominance comes down to his command and control. He’s a pitcher who relies on movement and pinpoint accuracy rather than overpowering velocity, and that’s been highly effective against KBO hitters. He’s also shown the ability to adapt and learn quickly, which has been crucial to his early success.”
**Host:** Sarah, do you anticipate Naile’s strong performance having a ripple effect on other MLB pitching prospects considering KBO opportunities?
**Sarah Lee:**
”Absolutely. Naile’s story is inspiring, and it shows that talented pitchers who might not have cracked the MLB roster because of a lack of power can find success and recognition in the KBO. His trajectory could encourage more pitchers to explore this path.”
### **Reyes’ KBO Impact:**
**Host:** Victor Reyes has also made a smooth transition to the KBO with the Lotte Giants. What do you think makes the KBO an appealing destination for players like Reyes, who are seeking a fresh start?
**Sarah Lee:**
“The KBO offers a chance for players like Reyes to play regularly, develop their skills, and potentially establish themselves as stars. The league is well-organized, the fans are passionate, and the overall experience can be very rewarding.”
**Host:** David, how do you see these signings benefiting the KBO’s global profile?
**David Kim:**
“These signings are a huge boost for the KBO’s visibility. They bring in established names that fans around the world recognize, creating more buzz and interest in the league. It’s a win-win for both the players and the KBO. “
### **Final Thoughts:**
**Host:** As the KBO continues to attract top talent, what do you see as the future holds for the league?
**Sarah Lee:** “I believe the KBO is poised for continued growth and success. The league has a strong foundation, a passionate fanbase, and a growing international reputation. As more talented players like Heredia, Naile, and Reyes choose to play in Korea, the quality of play will only continue to improve, attracting even more global attention.”
**David Kim:**
“The KBO is becoming a true global player in the baseball world. The league is smart and strategic in its approach, and it’s reaped the rewards of its efforts. We can expect to see even more exciting developments and talent coming to Korea in the years to come.”
