Diamondbacks Pitcher Takes Talents To Korea

After three seasons in the major leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but then being dropped from their 40-man roster, 28-year-old right-hander pitcher Taylor Widener has decided to take his talents to the Korean Baseball Organization.

The NC Dinos have signed RHP Taylor Widener, who pitched for the DBacks in ML level 2020-2022. Also was previously with NYY system. #KBO https://t.co/NCVxBlTG5V

— Sung Min Kim (@sung_minkim) January 31, 2023

Widener joins the NC Dinos of the KBO, and will earn $743,000 this season—that's more than the major league minimum of $720,000, so financially, the move makes sense. It also includes a $145,000 signing bonus.

In his three years with the Snakes, Widener holds a combined 4.26 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 109:54 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 107.2 innings. He made 13 starts in his 49 appearances.

Widener was originally a New York Yankees draft pick who got sent to the desert in a 2018 trade. 

It's hoped that Widener will get a chance to build his confidence and repertoire in Korea to the point where he'll get another shot at the majors in the future.

Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports