"LG Lions' 158 km/h average fireballer: 'Success if control is improved'" — U.S. media also takes notice

*This content was translated by AI.

Defending champion LG Twins, seeking to rebuild its shaky pitching mound, made a decisive move by unexpectedly signing '100-mile fireballer' Yasell Rios (33). U.S. media also took notice.

On the 3rd, the LG club officially announced that it had signed foreign pitcher Yasell Rios to a contract totaling $450,000 (base salary $350,000, incentives $100,000). Right-handed pitcher Yony Chirinos (33), who contributed to the championship with 13 wins last season but struggled this season with 8 games, 2 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 6.68, was ultimately placed on waivers.

According to a StarNews investigation, LG began listing Chirinos for replacement starting in April. Due to limited starting pitcher resources in the U.S. market this season, the club broadly evaluated relief pitchers and selected a replacement for Chirinos. Rios, who was placed on the temporary inactive list under the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, the Iowa Cubs, on May 31, became a free agent as of the 2nd. It appears a modest transfer fee was paid.

News of Rios' arrival in the KBO League prompted significant coverage from local U.S. media. MLB Trade Rumors (MLBTR), a site specializing in Major League Baseball transfer news, reported on Rios' contract and highlighted his powerful pitching velocity.

MLBTR stated, "When Rios was briefly called up to the Major Leagues while playing for the Chicago Cubs this year, his four-seam fastball averaged 98 mph (approximately 158 km/h). When in top condition, his maximum velocity reached 100 mph (approximately 161 km/h), making him a true power pitcher." The outlet further analyzed, "He possesses excellent strikeout ability, mixing a sharp-moving sinker, a splitter in the low 90s mph range, and a slider around 86 mph to leave batters swinging at nothing."

The condition for Rios' success, as identified by local media, is clear: control. MLBTR noted, "Like many fireballers, Rios has struggled in the Major Leagues (93 career games, 100 innings, 6.21 ERA) due to chronic control issues despite his powerful stuff. Ultimately, if he can improve his control, he could dominate the KBO League."

At the same time, this move to the KBO is seen as a huge "land of opportunity" for Rios personally. Edwin Hernandez Jr., a journalist who primarily covers baseball in Latin America (especially Puerto Rico), commented on the 3rd, "With changes in the Major League roster system making it as rare as finding beans in a drought for minor leaguers to move to Asia, Rios has managed to squeeze through the needle's eye."

MLBTR explained, "If Rios makes a strong impression over the remaining four months in Korea, it will serve as a perfect 'showcase' for either returning to the Major Leagues next season or securing a major contract worth over $1 million not only in the KBO League but also in NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball)." This underscores his clear motivation.

The LG club also expressed full confidence in Rios' powerful pitching. A club official stated, "Yasell Rios is a power pitcher who throws fast and pitches aggressively. His strong velocity is his greatest asset. He also showed excellent form representing Puerto Rico at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He will be a major strength for our bullpen."

With recent injuries to closer You Young-chan leaving the back end of the bullpen in crisis, the leading LG team plans to utilize Rios as a key bullpen resource to reorganize its winning lineup.

Rios, through the club, also issued a solemn statement: "I am honored to join the champion LG Twins, who won the KBO League championship last season. Having joined mid-season, I will adapt quickly and ensure I contribute to the team so that LG can win the championship again this year."

It remains to be seen whether the 158th km/h fireballer, who has also drawn attention from foreign media, can improve his control and become the "elite firefighter" leading LG to back-to-back championships.

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*This content was translated by AI.