SEOUL – The SSG Landers, a team in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), announced the signing of former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Robert Dugger. The one-year deal, potentially worth up to US$900,000, includes a $650,000 guaranteed salary and a $100,000 signing bonus, with the possibility of earning an additional $150,000 in incentives.
According to Yonhap News Agency, This signing aligns with KBO regulations, which allow each team to sign up to three foreign players, with a maximum of two pitchers. The Landers have decided to not continue with left-hander Kirk McCarty and are considering retaining Roenis Elias for another season. Dugger, 28, has a MLB career comprising 27 games for teams like the Miami Marlins, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cincinnati Reds, recording a 0-7 record and a 7.17 ERA. In 2023, he played with the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, leading the Pacific Coast League in ERA and strikeouts. The Landers highlighted Dugger’s versatile pitching skills, including a heavy fastball and a variety of other pitches.