Seoul – Major League Baseball (MLB) has expressed interest in South Korean free agent pitcher Ham Deok-ju, indicating potential recruitment by big league clubs. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) confirmed that MLB requested a status check on Ham, a left-handed reliever who played for the LG Twins in 2023. The KBO informed MLB that Ham, being a free agent, is eligible to sign with any club, including those in South Korea and abroad.
According to Yonhap News Agency, MLB teams interested in South Korean players must conduct a status check through the KBO, which is obligated to respond within four business days. Ham, aged 27, achieved a 1.62 ERA in 57 appearances for the Twins this year, contributing to their first Korean Series title in 29 years. He joins Twins closer Go Woo-suk and Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Lee Jung-hoo as the third KBO player to receive an MLB status check. While Go and Lee are not free agents yet, they can sign with an MLB team through a posting process, during which MLB clubs will have a 30-day negotiation window.