The Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organization have waived former big league infielder Tyler Saladino, per Jee-ho Yoo of the Yonhap News Agency. The move opens a spot for Daniel Palka, whose previously reported agreement with the Lions is now official.
Saladino has been excellent with the Lions this season, but he’s currently out with a back injury. The Lions, who at 34-34 are still in the playoff mix, seemingly did not expect Saladino back in the near future. Otherwise, there’d be little reason to justify cutting bait on a player who’d slashed .280/.411/.477 with six homers and six steals apiece through 163 plate appearances. It was a strong showing for the 31-year-old Saladino — one that could perhaps create additional opportunities in South Korea or Japan once he’s worked back to health. Alternatively, Saladino may opt to pursue a new opportunity with a big league club.
In parts of five Major League seasons between the White Sox and Brewers, Saladino is a .226/.278/.330 hitter through 1064 plate appearances. He’s appeared at every position other than catcher and pitcher in the Majors, and in his 44 games with the Lions, Saladino saw action at third base, first base, shortstop and in left field.
creacher
Hopefully he can return to full health, maybe join a new team for a KBO playoff run
Sheep8
I believe he cannot join another team this year. Once a foreign player is cut, he cannot sign in the KBO for that season
Jeff Zanghi
Is that true? that seems like a really strange rule. But regardless of whether it is or not it’s unlikely he’d sign this season in the KBO unless he quickly gets healthy AND another team is looking to cut one of their current US players — because they can only have 3? (maybe 4) and all teams currently do I believe
Peart of the game
KBO teams can of course claim a player on waivers. Ryan Feierabend being claimed by the KT Wiz back in 2016 from the Nexen (now Kiwoom) Heroes is a good example and most recently Brock Dykxhoorn was claimed by the Lotte Giants last year from the SK Wyverns
DarkSide830
yep. can be claimed, but if you clear waivers you arent allowed to sign back in the league for that year.
DVail1979
I assume they have a disabled list in Korea so was he cut because there can only be so many foreign players on a team whether healthy or injured?
Jeff Zanghi
Yeah I’m assuming that’s the case… the limit on foreign players must include the DL/IL… but in that case I do assume he still gets paid. otherwise releasing a guy because he’s hurt wouldn’t seem fair financially.
ChiSox_Fan
“Disabled” in Korea?
Not politically correct!
Injured List maybe.
Briffle2
Maybe he’s trying to make it back to the MLB?
nymetsking
while hurt?
Rallyshirt
His baseball sense has been reported as off the charts. I can see him moving to a management position sooner than later.
tyler saladino
can confirm as an avid white sox and brewers follower. one of my favorite players ever. too many under the radar smart plays to count not to mention an infectious personality and a fair share of clutch moments. i hope his kbo sample wasnt too small to warrant a mlb deal back here
Peart of the game
Darin Ruf had a 150+ WRC+ in the KBO last year and didn’t get an MLB deal. So why would Tyler Saladino’s 138 WRC+ get him an MLB deal?
DarkSide830
to be fair they have mich different skillsets as players, and while i dont think Saladino is all that good of a player in general, i can see several teams preferring him.
tyler saladino
jt riddle got an mlb deal. anything is possible
Rosa I Martinez
Went to the games in Daegu this week as we are now allowed to attend. Was looking forward to see you play in person.
Rosa I Martinez
Darin Ruf currently plays with the SF Giants, even made the top ten plays of the week on ESPN last weekend.
Selkies
Heck, the Sox could use a middle infielder. I would be stoked if we brought back “Salad.”
wagner13
If Ryan Goins has a roster spot, I don’t see why Chicago can’t reunite with Saladino
whyhayzee
Bring him back and make him the president. Immediately if not sooner. Huge upgrade.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Go get him Kenny! #kennyalwaysgetshisman
S.S.D.Y.
No matter how much he has to overpay!