The Doosan Bears made the first big international splash of the KBO offseason, signing former Orioles left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin to a one-year deal. Irvin will receive a $200,000 signing bonus and earn $800,000 in salary, the maximum amount allowed for a first-year foreign player in the KBO.
Cole Irvin, 78mph Wipeout Breaking Ball. 🌊 pic.twitter.com/dXYa5hBekT
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 13, 2024
In six seasons between the Phillies, Athletics, Orioles, and Twins, Irvin posted a 4.54 ERA over 593 innings. He spent the 2024 season swinging between the rotation and the bullpen for the Orioles before getting designated for assignment in September. He joined the Twins for four appearances at the end of their playoff push but was DFA’d again at the end of the season.
A classic crafty lefty, Irvin uses six different pitches and has walked just 2.2 batters per nine innings over his career. Upon announcing his signing, the Bears spoke highly about his pitch mix and command.
“He throws a great fastball and has quality secondary pitches, too,” the Bears said. “He only averaged 2.16 walks per nine innings in the majors, and we saw him as a pitcher with great control.”
The Bears finished the 2024 season with a 74-68 record but became the first four-seed team to be eliminated in the wild-card round when they lost two straight home games to the KT Wiz. Despite making the playoffs, the Bears’ starting rotation was an obvious weakness, as Gwak Been was the only starter to make at least 15 starts and post an ERA below 5.00.
Photo Credit: Cole Irvin looks on. (Press Box)
