WBSC Premier12 star Kim Kwanghyun signs for MLB St. Louis Cardinals

The MLB St Louis Cardinals have announced the signing of pitcher Kim Kwanghyun, a top starter for Korea at the WBSC Premier12 2019.

Kim signed a two-year contract worth US$8 million. The Cardinals will pay 20% of the total value of the contract (US$1.6 million) as a posting fee to the SK Wyverns, the KBO team the 31-year old Kim has played for since 2007.

"We had robust scouting reports on him," said the Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak during a press conference. "We had a lot of analytical support that backed up the success he was having in the KBO."

Kim commented, through his agent and translator Jerry Kim, on the fact the Cardinals have six starting pitchers on their roster. "I would prefer to start, but I respect the St. Louis Cardinals system. I will respect their decision."

The left-hander, a former KBO MVP, has enjoyed a stellar-year in 2019. He started 30 games and finished with 17 wins and just six losses. His Earned Run Average was 2.51. Kim earned in 2019 the equivalent of US$1.408 million.

Having started two games for Korea at the WBSC Premier12, Kim finished with a 1-1 record and a 2.89 Earned Run Average. He went six innings allowing only one hit in a 3-1 win against Canada in the opening round. He pitched only 3.1 innings in a 7-0 loss against Chinese Taipei in the Super Round.

Kim was on the Korean roster that won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics and on the roster that won the first WBSC Premier12 in 2015.