*This content was translated by AI.
"Fate is truly fascinating," he said. "When I asked him, 'You didn't expect to meet me like this, did you?' he just smiled."
This was what KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) recently recalled while thinking back on last year's events.
Last year, despite being from an opposing team, there was a commendable foreign pitcher who faithfully visited the KT dugout, bringing a smile to manager Lee Kang-cheol. A KT club official remarked, "I don't think we've ever had a foreign player who consistently came to greet us like that. Looking back now, it truly feels like fate." Several months later, this pitcher joined KT on a six-week contract as an injury replacement for Caleb Boshley (33). He was Logan Allen (29), who had previously played for NC Dinos.
Last year, while with NC, Logan posted modest stats: 7 wins and 12 losses in 32 games, with a 4.53 ERA over 173 innings and 149 strikeouts, failing to secure a contract extension. However, after passing through the Los Angeles Dodgers and returning to the KBO League, he had transformed. Consistently throwing heavy fastballs clocked at 147–148 km/h (91–92 mph), he immediately brought stability to KT's pitching mound.
The same held true for the the 16th matchup against LG Twins at Jamsil. Against LG's tough lineup, Logan pitched five innings, allowing five hits (one home run), one walk, and one earned run while striking out seven batters, securing his first win of the season. This was his first KBO League victory in 290 days since September 29, 2025, during a game against Gwangju KIA Tigers. Although there were moments of danger due to defensive errors and well-placed hits, he consistently recorded strikeouts at critical junctures, ultimately earning his first win after four attempts.
After the game, manager Lee Kang-cheol praised Logan: "He threw many pitches but demonstrated excellent control and fulfilled his role." Logan also shared his thoughts: "I'm happy to have contributed to the team's victory. I pitched with the mindset that we must win whenever I was on the mound, and both the infielders and bullpen supported me well in both offense and defense. Facing LG, the league's top team, I'm satisfied to leave the mound having performed well."
As a result, Logan's record now stands at 5 games played, 1 win, 1 loss, a 3.33 ERA over 27 innings with 20 strikeouts—comparable to any top-tier starting pitcher. Even opposing managers noticed the change. Before the game, manager Lee Kang-cheol stated, "I heard his velocity increased by 6–7 km/h compared to last year. He also lost more than 10 kg in weight and significantly improved his arm angle. It seems he learned a lot during his time with the Dodgers' Triple-A team."
He continued, "Even during the All-Star break, managers from other teams asked why Logan had changed so much. Previously, his average fastball velocity was around 145 km/h (90 mph), but now it consistently reaches 147–148 km/h (91–92 mph). His mindset has also improved. After speaking with him, he expressed a strong desire to continue playing here."
This development left KT in a dilemma. Logan's contract is set to expire on July 21. Meanwhile, the return of original foreign pitcher Boshley remains uncertain. Despite making his KBO League debut this year, Boshley has excelled as an ace with 7 wins and 3 losses in 11 games, a 3.16 ERA over 62⅔ innings and 56 strikeouts. However, he felt pain in his right shoulder during bullpen pitching on the 2nd of last month and has yet to return.
With this victory, KT extended their winning streak to four games, improving their record to 48 wins, 1 tie, and 35 losses. They now trail first-place Samsung by 3.5 games and second-place LG by 2.5 games, placing them in third position. With a strong chance of qualifying for the postseason, foreign players can be registered for playoff use starting August 15. Furthermore, KT faces significant concern over potential pitching gaps as pitchers So Hyoung-jun (25), Oh Won-seok (25), and Park Young-hyun (23) will be temporarily assigned to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September for approximately three weeks.
Regarding Logan's future, manager Lee Kang-cheol expressed his concerns: "A decision is likely to be made by tomorrow or the day after. Logan pitched today (the 16th), and the 21st will be his final day, so arrangements need to be made. Rumors suggest many teams are targeting him because he can step in immediately without any gap."
Having successfully completed even the final trial for contract extension, Logan once again expressed his determination to remain with KT. "We haven't discussed my contract extensively yet," Logan said. "But I won in my final appearance within the contract period and am satisfied with my time at KT. KT is a high-level team, and I believe there's much more I can contribute. Both teammates and family have greatly helped me adapt and stay focused. My condition is better than last year, which may explain the increase in fastball speed. I will continue to manage my body well and maintain this current form."
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*This content was translated by AI.
