Will it be the hottest issue in the Stove League this winter.
That is the story of Ariel Furado and Enmanuel de Heysus, who entered the foreign market without a right to hold the game in the Kiwoom Heroes. The two players have to accept a ransom of 1 million U.S. dollars to remain in the KBO League in 2025. Multiple KBO league teams have begun fierce behind-the-scenes competition.
Furado and Heyesus were the best one-two punches to keep the starting rotation for Kiwoom in the 2024 season. Furado appeared in 30 games during the 2024 season and played 190.1 innings, displaying overwhelming pitching capability. Furado pitched like an ace with 10-8 record with 3.36 ERA, 169 strikeouts, 32 walks, WHIP 1.14 and 23 quality starts.
Heysus was the same. Heysus pitched in 30 games during the 2024 season, and played 171.1 innings, 13 wins and 11 losses with a 3.68 ERA, 178 strikeouts, 44 walks, and WHIP 1.25. On days when Heysus was scratched, the opposing batters were even puzzled, saying, “There is no way to hit.”
It seemed natural for Kiwoom to renew its contract with Heysus after the 2025 season. In the case of Furado, there was a prospect that he could go to the U.S. or Japan stage from the middle of the season. However, at least it was a clear atmosphere to renew the contract with Heysus.
However, Kiwoom made a surprising decision. Both Furado and Heyesus gave up their contracts. Kiwoom also showed their coolness by giving up both players’ right to hold talks. Both Furado and Heyesus are free to negotiate with other KBO league teams. 토토사이트
“It is regrettable to say goodbye to Heysus and Dawson even after giving dedication to the team this season. I would like to thank the three players. All three players are capable of displaying their skills in the KBO League or other leagues. Our club does not exercise its right to hold off in order to pave the way for them in the future. I hope all of them will find new teams and continue to show good performance,” the team said.
For starters, Hayesus, who received up to 800,000 dollars in annual salary this year, seems to be looking for a new team without being too conscious of the restriction of 1 million dollars for new foreign players. He is reportedly close to signing a contract with Team A, which was already looking for a left-handed foreign starting pitcher. Chances are high that Hayesus will continue to stand on the mound in the KBO League in the 2025 season.
The case of Furado is somewhat complicated. When rumors spread that Furado would play without a right of suspension, some clubs began to show interest in him.
However, since Furado received a total annual salary of 1.3 million dollars this year, he has no choice but to be agonizing over choosing an annual salary of 1 million dollars next year. If a good offer is made in the U.S. or Japan, it is not necessary to remain in the KBO League.
Still, the situation would be different if Furado is determined to stay in the KBO League. This is an opportunity for other KBO league teams to persuade Furado to significantly enhance their capacity as foreign starting pitchers. Recently, Furado is also known to be willing to listen to KBO league teams’ suggestions. If a club that was trying to find a second-tier foreign pitcher takes Furado, there is no greater luck than that.
It seems that fierce behind-the-scenes competition has already begun to take Furado. I wonder what kind of uniform Furado will be wearing in the 2025 season and on which mound he will stand.
