David Buchanan, a foreign pitcher who finally broke up with the Samsung Lions, left a farewell message to his fans on his social networking site. Usually, he leaves his heart in writing, but Buchanan was different from him. He filmed and uploaded the video himself. He left his heart with his expression and voice, which he would not include in writing.
Samsung officially announced on Wednesday that it signed a contract with a new foreign pitcher, Reyes, along with the fact that negotiations for renewal of contract with Buchanan have finally collapsed. Reyes signed a contract worth 800,000 U.S. dollars including 100,000 dollars in down payment, 500,000 dollars in annual salary, and 200,000 dollars in option. Samsung, which signed new pitcher Connor Seabold (total of 1 million dollars) and new batter David McKinnon (total of 1 million dollars), has completed the formation of foreign players. Samsung renewed its contracts with all three foreign players last year, but replaced all three players this year.
The failure to renew his contract with Buchanan is a shocking news to Samsung fans. Samsung tried its best to secure the contract in accordance with the regulations of the KBO League, but it was Buchanan’s choice to let go.
Buchanan was a successful foreign pitcher in the KBO League. Buchanan, who came to the Samsung Lions in 2020, instantly rose to the rank of ace with 15 wins, 7 losses and an ERA of 3.45. In 2021, Buchanan had 16 wins and 5 losses and an ERA of 3.10, surpassing 15 wins for two consecutive years. In 2022, he had 11 wins and 8 losses and an ERA of 3.04, but last year he had 12 wins and 8 losses and an ERA of 2.54. Notably, he pitched 188 innings last year, the most innings in his four years in the KBO League. However, he gained more trust by posting the best ERA of 2.54.
He got along well with Samsung players and also served as mood maker in the dugout to boost the mood of the team. Fan service was superb. His performance at the All-Star Game last year was even recognized by fans. He loved Korea so much that he put Taegeukgi on his glove.
Buchanan, who was born in 1989 and turns 35 in the 2024 season, had no choice but to renew his contract. Buchanan was agonizing over receiving a Major League Baseball offer and asked Samsung to sign a multi-year contract.
Samsung accepted the multi-year contract but failed to reach an agreement on the amount. It had to match the total amount of 4 million dollars for the three foreign players.
Finally, Buchanan refused to accept Samsung’s final offer, and the team decided to buy Reyes. Buchanan pitched in 113 games and 699 ⅔s over the past four years, recording 54 wins and 28 losses with a 3.02 ERA. He struck out 539 and allowed 191 walks.
Of course, you can come back to Samsung. However, if you come back, you will receive a cap of $1 million.
Buchanan uploaded a video of his farewell on his social media account after his breakup with Samsung was officially announced. Buchanan said, “As you know, my family and I have decided not to return to Samsung this season,” adding, “We wanted to come back and even thought about retiring from Samsung. Unfortunately, however, it didn’t work out.”
Buchanan said, “It was never an easy decision. It was a really hard decision,” explaining why he made the video, “But I wanted to let you know how much you are precious to us.”
“From the first day to the last day of our family, the love you gave to our family was inexplicable,” Buchanan said. “My children grew up there. They grew up in that environment and culture. I can’t put it into words.”
“It wasn’t an easy decision and it still weighs heavily on my heart,” Buchanan said, stressing, “We wanted to let you know about the appreciation and love for the memories you’ve given us for four years.”
“Wish you all the best and you will always be in a special place in our hearts. We will never forget you,” said one Buchanan. “I hope we will see each other again someday.”
Finally, Buchanan expressed his affection for Samsung, saying, “There will always be blue blood in my body.”
Now Samsung has to play the 2024 season with Seabold and Reyes without Buchanan.
Seabold has already excited the hearts of Samsung fans once as the “second pedi.” He pitched in the Major League almost full-time with the Colorado Rockies last year. He pitched in 27 games (13 starts) and recorded one win, seven losses and an ERA of 7.52. In fact, an active Major Leaguer will throw in the Samsung Lions this year. Eric Pedi, the NC Dinos’ MVP last year, was also a Major Leaguer who played full-time with the Washington Nationals in the 2022 season, but after being released, he moved to NC and conquered the KBO League before returning to the Major League.
Seabold is considered to use high-quality breaking balls such as changeups and sliders along with strong fastballs in the 150km range on average, and the left and right use of the strike zone is excellent.
Attention is also focusing on what kind of pitching Reyes will perform. Born in 1996, Reyes, who is 28 years old this year, is a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic. He has strong data on left-handed hitters. He played in nine games (three starts) at the New York Mets Major League last year, and played 91 ⅔ in 20 games (eight starts) in the Minor League. Samsung explained that he throws fastballs with an average speed of 147 kilometers and a maximum speed of 150 kilometers, sliders, changeups, cutters, and other various changeups, making excellent pitching capability for robot refereeing.
BY: 토토