Matt Sauer Joins Korean Professional Baseball League
Matt Sauer, a 26-year-old foreign pitcher who made 10 appearances for the LA Dodgers, one of the strongest teams in the U.S. Major League, is set to join the Korean professional baseball league next year. KT, a team that had advanced to the postseason for five consecutive years but failed to qualify this season, quickly extended an offer.
On the 7th, KT officially announced, “We have signed new foreign pitcher Sauer for a total of 950,000 USD (approximately 1,385,000,000 Korean won, including a 200,000 USD signing bonus and a 750,000 USD salary).” Sauer began his professional career in 2017 after being drafted by the New York Yankees and made his Major League debut in the 2024 season with the Kansas City Royals. This season, he was named to the LA Dodgers’ opening roster, making 10 appearances with 1 save and a 6.37 ERA. His MLB career stats include 24 games, 2 wins, 1 loss, 1 save, and a 6.85 ERA. In the minor leagues, he appeared in 128 games, recording 27 wins, 32 losses, and a 4.62 ERA.
Sauer, who was demoted to Triple-A in the minor leagues due to early-season struggles, was released by the Dodgers on the 5th and signed with KT two days later. Although he pitched out of the bullpen for the Dodgers this year, he had started 98 of his 128 minor league games, making him a versatile pitcher comfortable in the starting role. KT stated, “Sauer throws a fastball in the mid-150 km/h range, along with a cutter, sinker, slider, and splitter.”
Key Details About Sauer’s Career
- Professional Career Start:Sauer began his professional journey in 2017 after being drafted by the New York Yankees.
- MLB Debut:He made his Major League debut in the 2024 season with the Kansas City Royals.
- LA Dodgers Performance:This season, he was part of the Dodgers’ opening roster, appearing in 10 games with 1 save and a 6.37 ERA.
- Minor League Stats:Over 128 games, Sauer recorded 27 wins, 32 losses, and a 4.62 ERA.
- Pitching Style:Known for his mid-150 km/h fastball, as well as a variety of other pitches like the cutter, sinker, slider, and splitter.
KT’s Strategy and Recent Moves
KT, which had previously assembled its foreign pitching duo with Emmanuel De Jesus and Cuevas this season, saw both underperform, with Cuevas being released mid-season. They later signed Patrick Murphy, but the team has yet to announce its stance on re-signing De Jesus and Murphy.
The addition of Sauer comes at a critical time for KT, as they look to strengthen their pitching staff for the upcoming season. With Sauer’s experience in both the majors and minors, as well as his versatility as a pitcher, the team hopes to see improved performance from their foreign pitchers.
What This Means for KT
By bringing in Sauer, KT is signaling a strategic move to bolster their pitching depth. His ability to start games and pitch from the bullpen provides flexibility that could be crucial in the competitive Korean professional baseball league. The team’s decision to sign him also reflects confidence in his potential to contribute significantly to their success next season.
With the release of previous foreign pitchers and the uncertainty around re-signing others, KT is taking a calculated risk by adding Sauer. If he can adapt quickly to the Korean league and perform consistently, it could mark a turning point for the team’s fortunes.
Overall, Sauer’s arrival is a major development for KT as they aim to rebuild and compete at a higher level in the coming seasons.