Hanwha Eagles Bet $1 Million on Owen White to Replace MVP-Winning Ace
The KBO's Hanwha Eagles have signed former MLB pitcher Owen White to a $1 million deal to replace departed aces Cody Ponce and Ryan Weiss. It's a high-risk, high-reward move.
How do you replace an MVP and a 16-win ace who both just left for the majors? The Hanwha Eagles are betting $1 million on former MLB pitcher Owen White. The KBO club announced on December 24 that they've signed the 26-year-old right-hander to a one-year deal, consisting of an $800,000 salary and a $200,000 signing bonus. White will join Wilkel Hernandez, signed on November 29, to form a completely new-look foreign duo at the top of the Eagles' rotation.
The Prospect with a Point to Prove
A native of North Carolina, White was once a highly-touted prospect, selected in the second round of the 2018 draft by the Texas Rangers. However, his major league career has been brief and challenging. Across stints with the Rangers and Chicago White Sox from 2023 to 2025, he posted a 12.86 ERA with a 0-1 record over just 14 innings. His performance in Triple-A this year was also underwhelming, going 0-8 with a 4.44 ERA across 81 innings.
Despite the numbers, the Eagles are focused on his potential. The team said White boasts a six-pitch mix including a four-seam fastball, sweeper, and cutter. "He has a good command of his pitches, and as a one-time prospect in his mid-20s, he still has a great upside," the Eagles stated. According to Baseball Savant, his four-seamer averaged 92.3 mph this year.
Filling Historically Great Shoes
The pressure on White is immense, as he is replacing one of the most dominant pitching duos in recent KBO history. Cody Ponce was voted league MVP after winning the pitching Triple Crown with 17 wins, a 1.89 ERA, and a record 252 strikeouts before signing with the Toronto Blue Jays. His running mate, Ryan Weiss, was nearly as dominant, notching 16 wins and 207 strikeouts en route to a deal with the Houston Astros. Together, they became the first teammates in KBO history to each surpass 200 strikeouts in the same season.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
The Kia Tigers have finalized their 2026 foreign player lineup, re-signing pitcher Adam Oller and acquiring hitters Harold Castro and Jarryd Dale to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.
New San Diego Padres signee Song Sung-mun expresses excitement to play with his idol Manny Machado and his ambition to face ace pitcher Paul Skenes, setting a tone of admiration and challenge for his MLB debut.
With Song Sung-mun joining the Padres, the Kiwoom Heroes have now sent six players to MLB, solidifying their status as a premier talent factory. An analysis of their unique and profitable business model.
The reigning KBO champion LG Twins have signed 38-year-old reliever Jang Si-hwan and 34-year-old catcher Kim Min-su to add veteran depth for their 2026 title defense.
The Kia Tigers have finalized their 2026 foreign player lineup, re-signing pitcher Adam Oller and acquiring hitters Harold Castro and Jarryd Dale to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season.
New San Diego Padres signee Song Sung-mun expresses excitement to play with his idol Manny Machado and his ambition to face ace pitcher Paul Skenes, setting a tone of admiration and challenge for his MLB debut.
With Song Sung-mun joining the Padres, the Kiwoom Heroes have now sent six players to MLB, solidifying their status as a premier talent factory. An analysis of their unique and profitable business model.
The reigning KBO champion LG Twins have signed 38-year-old reliever Jang Si-hwan and 34-year-old catcher Kim Min-su to add veteran depth for their 2026 title defense.