KBO's Doosan Bears Sign Cole Irvin

The Doosan Bears of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) have announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin to a one-year contract. This deal guarantees Irvin $1 million, which includes an $800,000 salary and a $200,000 signing bonus. This move, reported by Jee-ho Yoo of Yonhap News Agency, marks Irvin's first stint overseas after spending six seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Irvin's MLB Journey
Cole Irvin, now 30 years old and turning 31 in January, has had a notable MLB career, having pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Minnesota Twins. He was a reliable innings eater for the Athletics during the 2021-22 seasons, starting 62 games and posting a respectable 4.11 ERA. Known for his control, Irvin's fastball averaged 90.7 mph, and he maintained a strikeout rate of 16.8% while limiting opponents to a walk rate of just 5.2%.

However, Irvin's journey in the MLB has not been without its challenges. Acquired by the Orioles in exchange for Darell Hernaiz before the 2023 season, Irvin struggled early on and was optioned to Triple-A. He eventually returned to the majors, ending the season with a 4.42 ERA in 77 1/3 innings, often pitching out of the bullpen. His 2024 season also proved difficult, as he recorded a 4.86 ERA in 16 starts and nine relief appearances before being designated for assignment and claimed by the Twins. Irvin's final MLB season saw him post a 5.11 ERA in 3 2/3 innings with Minnesota before electing free agency in October.

A New Opportunity with Doosan Bears
Irvin joins the Doosan Bears with a career 4.54 ERA, a 17.1% strikeout rate, and a 5.6% walk rate over 593 innings in the big leagues. The Bears highlighted Irvin's "great control" in their announcement, a trait that has been his hallmark throughout his career.

Heading overseas presents a unique opportunity for Irvin. Many pitchers have used their time in leagues like the KBO to refine their skills, develop new pitches, or adjust their mechanics, often returning to the MLB with improved performance. For Irvin, this could be a chance to reignite his career and possibly attract interest from MLB teams or secure a more lucrative contract within Asia, particularly in Japan, where players typically command higher salaries than in Korea.

Looking Forward
The $1 million salary Irvin receives is the maximum for first-year foreign signees in the KBO, underscoring the Bears' belief in his potential impact. Whether Irvin uses this experience to make adjustments that catch the eye of MLB scouts or to secure a more prominent role in Asian baseball, his journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

​As Irvin embarks on this new chapter with the Doosan Bears, the baseball community will be eager to see how he adapts and performs in the KBO. This move represents both a fresh start for Irvin and an exciting development for the Bears as they add a seasoned pitcher with a proven track record of control and resilience.