MLB 2022 Rookie Heads To Korea

He made his major league debut at the age of 26 pitching out of the Cleveland Guardians bullpen, but after merely so-so results, left-hander Kirk McCarty is heading to Korea to continue his professional career. 

Ilgan Sports is reporting that SSG Landers are close to signing LHP Kirk McCarty, who's pitched for the Guardians in 2022 (13 appearances, 2 starts). https://t.co/XxCv8rQ67v

— Sung Min Kim (@sung_minkim) November 23, 2022

The SSG Landers of the KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) are reportedly about to sign McCarty, who's now 27. 

And while his overall numbers from 2022 in Cleveland don't jump off the page (4.54 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, his number in the second half of the season were much more palatable, with a 2.45 ERA. And of particular significance was his dominance over left-handed hitters, who managed only 4 hits in 31 at-bats against McCarty (a .129 batting average).

McCarty was designated for assignment by the Guardians two weeks ago to get down to their preferred 40-man roster, which is when SSG picked up their recruitment in earnest. The defending KBO league champions are thrilled to add the lefty to their pitching staff. 

As a minor leaguer in Cleveland's system, mostly as a starter, he posted a 4.30 ERA over five seasons with a much stronger 8.7 K/9.

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