The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) league has suddenly become a popular destination for former players of the Philadelphia Phillies in recent weeks. Earlier, left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin signed a one-year $1 million deal with the Doosan Bears, while outfielder Jake Cave was just recently inked to the exact same deal by the same Doosan team this week.
But apparently, the KBO isn’t just an attractive magnet for former Phillies players. As shared by Phillies Tailgate on X, according to KBO Trade Rumors, current Phillies outfielder Cal Stevenson was actually investigated by the Hanwha Eagles. Had they made an offer to Stevenson, it could have potentially led to the buyout of his current contract with the Phillies.
Phillies shut down any chance of the Hanwha Eagles from KBO poaching promising outfielder Cal Stevenson
However, the Phillies were swift to react and quickly denied any chances of the Eagles purchasing his contract by refusing negotiations, per Phillies Tailgate. As a result, Stevenson will comfortably remain with Philadelphia for 2025.
NEWS: The Hanwha Eagles of Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) attempted to purchase Cal Stevenson’s contract and the Phillies refused negotiations.
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) November 29, 2024
Stevenson will remain with the Phillies for 2025. https://t.co/xZIZ8EVzzL pic.twitter.com/VsNuZUNcoz
Stevenson has spent several seasons in the minor leagues with various MLB organizations since being selected in the 10th round by the Toronto Blue Jays back in the 2018 MLB Draft. He eventually became a part of the Phillies organization after being claimed off waivers from the San Francisco Giants in May 2023.
Serving mainly as organizational depth for the Phillies, Stevenson has spent the bulk of his time with Triple-A affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs over the past couple of seasons. This past year, he made the most of his opportunity by slashing an impressive .302/.421/.486/.907 with 68 runs scored, 25 doubles, five triples, eight home runs, 44 RBI, 29 stolen bases, 68 walks and 66 strikeouts in 101 games played with Lehigh Valley.
His overall solid performance earned him a couple of stints with the Phillies over the course of the 2024 season. In total, Stevenson appeared in 18 games, primarily in a reserve role, compiling a .250 average and .708 OPS with two runs scored, three doubles and six RBI over 24 at-bats.
His most notable impact came from his efforts in a game against the New York Mets on Sept. 14. Stevenson provided the go-ahead two-run double late in the game and made a home run-saving catch to help seal a 6-4 victory for the Phillies in the all-important division battle down the stretch.
🗣 IT'S THE CAL STEVENSON GAME! pic.twitter.com/mj3Axetyyr
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 14, 2024
With the Phillies looking to upgrade their outfield this offseason, opportunities for Stevenson with the big league club could become even more scarce for the upcoming 2025 season. Therefore, any enticing offer made by the KBO Eagles might have been enough for him to seriously consider the move, especially if it can finally jumpstart his professional baseball career for good.
But with the Phillies acting fast to retain Stevenson’s services, it appears as though they may have bigger plans for him for the upcoming year.