Life can be tough at times as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. On one hand, you could be rolling and performing like one of the best in the league. But the next thing you know, things can fall completely apart, resulting in a change of teams and perhaps even leagues as well.
That is exactly what has happened to former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Irvin. As a result of his nightmare of a season in the majors in 2024, Irvin is now heading overseas to play for the Doosan Bears of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League on a one-year, $1 million deal. The news was first reported by Jee-ho Yoo of the Yonhap News Agency.
Former Phillies pitcher Cole Irvin heading overseas to KBO to revive baseball career
Once a Phillies fifth-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, Irvin had a strong start to his 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Orioles when he posted a solid 6-2 record with a 2.87 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 12 walks and 43 strikeouts in 62 2/3 innings in his first 12 appearances. However, his season took an unfortunate 180-degree turn from there. He compiled a dismal 0-3 record with a 7.66 ERA and 1.72 WHIP, giving up 38 earned runs, including 11 home runs, in just 44 2/3 innings over his next 13 outings.
In doing so, Irvin ultimately lost his firm hold on a spot in the Orioles rotation. His tenure with the club came to an end when he was later designated for assignment in September. Irvin was eventually claimed on waivers by the Minnesota Twins, but his supposed second chance turned out to be a complete disaster.
In four relief appearances with the Twins, he gave up five earned runs on six hits with four walks and two strikeouts in just 3 2/3 innings of work for a 12.27 ERA and 2.73 WHIP. As a result, Irvin was outrighted by the Twins at the end of the season and became a free agent.
With his new opportunity in Asia, Irvin will hope to re-establish the control and command that had made him the solid MLB pitcher that he once was previously. If everything ends up going to plan, his success could help revitalize his baseball career over there and perhaps even open up his chances of making a potential comeback to MLB in the not-so-distant future.