A trio of former MLB players have signed new contracts to continue their careers in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), providing top talent for the league’s 2025 season.
Guillermo Heredia Returns with SSG Landers
Outfielder Guillermo Heredia is set to return for his third season with the SSG Landers after re-signing a $1.6 million contract that includes an additional $200K in incentives (as reported by Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net). The Cuban-born outfielder has been a star in the KBO, posting an impressive .360/.399/.538 batting line in 2024 with 21 home runs and 31 doubles. In two seasons in Korea, Heredia has a cumulative line of .343/.393/.502, a huge increase compared to his time in the MLB, where he was primarily used as a depth outfielder for five teams, the most recent being the Atlanta Braves in 2022. With this contract, the SSG Landers have secured their trio of foreign players for next season, which also includes Mitch White and Drew Anderson, who re-signed earlier this month.
James Naile Stays with Kia Tigers
The Kia Tigers have also secured a key member of their pitching staff, re-signing right-hander James Naile to a $1.6 million contract, with an additional $200K available in incentives, according to Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News. Naile, who is preparing for his second season in the KBO, shined in his first year, capturing the league’s ERA title with an impressive 2.53 mark in 149 1/3 innings. His outstanding performance played a crucial role in the Tigers’ successful Korean Series title run. Naile had a brief scare late in the season when he was hit in the jaw by a comeback, but managed to recover in time and contribute during the championship series. Originally selected in the 20th round of the MLB draft by UAB, Naile made 17 appearances for the St. Louis Cardinals between 2022 and 2023 before heading to Korea. The Tigers also signed right-hander Adam Oller earlier this offseason, but it remains to be seen if they will bring back outfielder Socrates Brito, who has spent the last three seasons with Kia, coming off a solid .310/.359 campaign. /.516.
Victor Reyes returns to Lotte Giants
Outfielder Victor Reyes will also continue his career in Korea, signing a $1 million contract with the Lotte Giants, which includes $250K in incentives (per Kurtz). Reyes put up impressive numbers in his debut KBO season, hitting .352/.394/.511, 40 doubles and 15 home runs for Lotte. The switch-hitter center fielder, now 30, previously played five seasons in MLB with the Detroit Tigers, compiling a .264/.294/.379 batting line in nearly 400 games between 2018 and 2022. The Giants have two remaining spots available for foreign players, both of which are expected to be used by pitchers. Charlie Barnes and Aaron Wilkerson filled those roles in 2024, but it’s still unclear if either of them will return to the Giants next season.
KBO teams reinforce their rosters with familiar faces
The re-signings of Heredia, Naile and Reyes reflect the KBO teams’ commitment to bringing back proven talent that has already made an impact in the league. With each player coming off a successful season, their respective clubs hope to carry that momentum forward into 2025. The SSG Landers, Kia Tigers and Lotte Giants are all aiming for another strong season, and retaining these key players is a positive step in that direction, as the KBO looks to continue showcasing exciting international talent.
