"Japanese scouts also paying attention" Kiwoom's Yuto signs management deal with Brion Company

*This content was translated by AI.

Sports agency Brion Company announced on the 28th that it has signed a domestic management contract with Kanakubo Yuto (28, registered name Yuto), a key relief pitcher for the Kiwoom Heroes.

Yuto is recognized as a representative success story of the Asia Quota system, having achieved "10 holds and 10 saves" — the first such feat by a foreign player in the KBO League this season. After navigating an adjustment period marked by the automatic pitch-strike judgment system (ABS) at the start of the season and unfamiliar surroundings, Yuto is now thriving, alternating between the team's fireman role and closer duties with his powerful fastball. With Won Jong-hyun removed from the 1st-man roster on the 28th, Yuto is expected to take over the closer role. His performance this season stands at 48 games, 5 wins, 4 losses, 11 holds, 14 saves, and an ERA of 3.32.

Regarding the contract, Yuto stated, "The agent I've been connected with since my Yakult Swallows days greatly assisted me during my early days in Korea," adding, "I asked them to serve as my domestic agent in preparation for continuing my playing career in Korea." Yuto is also well known as a fellow rookie alongside Munakata Munetaka (26, Chicago White Sox), the star hitter of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in NPB.

Brion Company Park Hui-jin (Team Lead) said, "As expected from an NPB draft pick, Yuto has demonstrated competitiveness in both his pitching ability and physical condition. We will actively support him to protect his rights as the first Asia Quota player in the KBO League and allow him to showcase his skills." The agency also noted that Norichika Aoki, the Yakult legend and team manager, specifically requested special attention for Yuto.

It has been reported that NPB scouts have been visiting Gocheok Sky Dome in person since the latter part of the first half to monitor Yuto's condition, showing sustained interest. Attention is now focused on whether he will remain with Kiwoom after this season and what his future plans may be.

Meanwhile, Brion Company, which signed Yuto, manages a roster that includes Olympic medalists such as fencers Oh Sang-wook and Do Kyung-dong, short-track speed skater Kwak Yoon-gi, judoka Kim Min-jong, and taekwondo athlete Park Tae-jun, as well as major sports stars including Lee Dong-gook, Jeon In-ji, Choi Jib-man, and Han Yu-seom.

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*This content was translated by AI.