Former Orioles pitcher Cole Irvin has signed a one-year contract with South Korea's Doosan Bears for $1 million, the maximum for first-year foreign players in the KBO. Irvin struggled during his brief time with Baltimore, posting a 5.11 ERA over 188.1 innings after joining the team in 2023. Previously, he had success in Oakland with a 4.11 ERA across two seasons. This move to Korea is seen as an opportunity for Irvin to revive his career, as he looks to improve and potentially return to Major League Baseball.

By the Numbers
  • Irvin signed a $1 million contract with the Doosan Bears.
  • Irvin finished with a 12.27 ERA in his final four outings with Minnesota.
Yes, But

While Irvin's move to the KBO presents a chance for a career revival, MLB teams may still be hesitant to overlook his recent struggles, particularly a poor performance where he struck out only 2 of 22 batters faced.

State of Play
  • Irvin's ERA ballooned during his time with the Orioles and Twins.
  • The KBO could be a pathway for Irvin to showcase his skills and potentially return to MLB or move to Japan's NPB.
What's Next

If Irvin can adapt his pitching style and find success in the KBO, he might attract interest from MLB teams or open doors in Japan. A strong performance could lead to significant career opportunities beyond Korea.

Bottom Line

Cole Irvin's future hinges on his ability to reinvent himself in the KBO; successful tenure there could be pivotal for any hope of reclaiming a role in MLB or exploring other international options.