MLB pitcher with 60 career wins: "Why did he come all the way to Korea on a mere $100 million (approx. 100 million won) 'six-week contract' without even making it to the postseason? 'KBO next year? It's still open.'" [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Mike Cleavinger (36), who has accumulated 60 career wins in Major League Baseball (MLB), became NC Dinos' final trump card as they chased the last train to the autumn playoffs.

Meeting with reporters at Changwon NC Park on the 15th, Cleavinger said, "I am truly happy to be here in Korea. Especially joining the team during such an important time." He added, "I have heard many good things about Korean baseball. I wanted to see firsthand how they play baseball here for a long time and wanted to become part of it," sharing his thoughts.

Judging by name alone, he is not a pitcher with the typical resume that comes to the KBO League. Cleavinger, a right-handed pitcher, appeared in 164 games (142 starts) over nine MLB seasons, recording 60 wins, 44 losses, an ERA of 3.55, 809⅔ innings pitched, and 822 strikeouts. He made his big league debut with the Cleveland Indians (now Cleveland Guardians) in 2016 and experienced that year's World Series. He was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2020 and continued pitching on the big league mound until last year.

He is considered the highest-profile foreign pitcher available as an injury replacement. Existing foreign pitcher Curtis Taylor (31) was placed on the injured list on the 8th after being diagnosed with a minor tear of the right supraspinatus muscle, requiring at least six weeks of rehabilitation. NC moved quickly and brought in Cleavinger just four days later, on the 12th, for $75,000 (approximately 0.1 billion won).

There were reasons to bring him here as well. Cleavinger underwent Tommy John surgery (elbow ligament reconstruction) twice, in 2012 and 2020, and appeared in only 12 big league games during the 2024–2025 seasons. This year, he signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates but was released on the 7th of last month without making it to the majors, spending a month training individually without a team.

Still, he did not let go of the ball. According to NC manager Lee Ho-jun (50), Cleavinger was the only candidate among those available who had been managing his body up until the most recent time. Cleavinger explained, "I worked out five days a week. I threw bullpen sessions and completed simulation innings." He added, "It may not be exactly like an actual game, but I tried to stay as prepared as possible within the range of what could be done without real-game competition."

Thanks to that, NC did not have to wait either. Cleavinger, who arrived in Korea on the 13th, stepped onto the mound at Changwon NC Park for the first time on the 14th and will make his KBO League debut immediately against the LG Twins on the 16th. Manager Lee said, "It is a bit of a forced march," but added, "We are not in a situation where we can take our time and prepare leisurely. If he could only throw around 30–40 pitches and needed a long buildup, the situation would have been different. We expect him to throw up to 60 pitches."

In fact, Cleavinger showed confidence as if he had been waiting for this moment. He stated, "I am always ready to compete. I live for moments like these (I'll live for this)." He continued, "I want to play baseball for as long as I can. If there is an opportunity to continue playing in a good competitive environment, anytime is fine. I will draw energy from the atmosphere of the stadium and try to overcome jet lag," he said with determination.

Despite undergoing surgery twice, he drew a line against views that his fastball had disappeared. Cleavinger emphasized, "I threw up to 98 mph (approximately 158 km/h) this year as well. I don't think my velocity has dropped that much." He added, "It even reached almost 99 mph (approximately 159 km/h). My velocity is still there."

Instead, he has become more seasoned. Cleavinger explained, "In the past, I threw four types of pitches, but now I throw six." NC also evaluates his strengths as a fastball averaging 94 mph (152 km/h), along with a changeup, cutter, and sweeper.

Manager Lee noted that the pitch he focused on most through video review was the changeup. Manager Lee said, "First of all, his changeup is good. There are many left-handed batters in Korea, so having a good changeup is an advantage." He added, "While watching the videos, I was impressed by his changeup. If he throws it as well as shown in the videos, I think batters will find it difficult to hit," expressing his expectations.

Coincidentally, his first opponent is special. The LG starting pitcher on the 16th is Carlos Kara (39). The two were former teammates who spent five years together in Cleveland. Cleavinger said, "Kara and I went to the World Series together and experienced the postseason almost every year. We have such a deep relationship that we know each other's families and children." He smiled, adding, "I met him again here in another country. Even now, when I look over there, I can see his face. That is the beauty of baseball."

However, what Cleavinger is looking at now is not an old teammate but NC's autumn playoffs. Having joined late in the regular season, he is ineligible to appear in this year's postseason under the rules. Nevertheless, Cleavinger smiled and said, "I came here to help NC reach the postseason. I want to see this team and its players cross that threshold (to the autumn playoffs). Just seeing that would make me truly happy."

While talking about the regret of not being able to pitch on an actual autumn playoff mound, Cleavinger also left a meaningful remark. He said, "Of course, it is disappointing not to play in the postseason. That is one of my dreams too. But perhaps next year it might be possible," he smiled. When reporters asked again, "Do you plan to play in the KBO League next year?" Cleavinger emphasized, "It is definitely open."

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*This content was translated by AI.