'ERA 1.44 jackpot' — Why did he stay in Korea? U.S. media delivers cold assessment: "Going now would likely only yield a minor league deal"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Pedro Abila (29), who truly devastated the KBO League in the second half of the 2026 season, chose a "contract extension" with SSG Landers over a return to Major League Baseball. Why did he not immediately return to the United States despite posting an astonishing ERA of 1.44? Local U.S. media highlighted the cold market assessment surrounding him and the calculations hidden behind his decision.

On the 16th, SSG officially announced that it had agreed to re-sign foreign pitcher Abila on a contract of up to two years. While specific contract terms are scheduled to be disclosed later, Abila signed the contract well before departing for his home country, securing his position as SSG's ace for next season. Industry sources view this as a 1+1 year deal.

In fact, Abila's power was miraculous after joining mid-season as a replacement foreign player. In 14 games, he pitched 93⅔ innings, recording a 9-2 record with an ERA of 1.44. He achieved a quality start (QS: at least six innings and three or fewer earned runs) in a whopping 13 of his 14 appearances, including two complete games (one no-hitter), ranking first among pitchers with over 80 innings in the league for lowest ERA and fewest home runs allowed per nine innings (0.10). His ground ball induction rate also reached 63.1%.

Major League scouts actually observed Abila. Regarding why Abila did not rush to return to the U.S. despite such dominant performance, choosing instead to stay in the KBO for two years, "MLB Trade Rumors (MLBTR)," a media outlet specializing in MLB transfer news, pointed out the realistic market situation.

On the 17th, MLBTR analyzed, "Despite Abila's overwhelming pitching in Korea, the lingering impression of him being severely shaky with an ERA of 7.50 and a walk rate of 11.5% over 60 innings in the minor leagues (Triple-A) just recently remains." The outlet added, "If he had returned to the U.S. during this offseason, there was a high probability that he would have settled for a minor league contract rather than a guaranteed Major League deal."

The interpretation is that it was a much wiser choice for the player to secure guaranteed treatment and certain starting opportunities at SSG consistently, rather than competing precariously as an uncertain spring training invitee or under a minor league status.

Furthermore, the media predicted that Abila's decision this time is not merely about staying, but a long-term setup with an eye toward a "triumphant return to the Major Leagues," similar to Drew Anderson (32, Detroit Tigers), who previously played for SSG.

Anderson dominated the league in the 2025 season with SSG, posting a 2.25 ERA in 30 games, before securing a one-year, $7 million (approximately 9.3 billion won) guaranteed Major League contract with the Detroit Tigers. This season, he has pitched 108 innings with an ERA of 3.67 and is currently on the verge of the team exercising a club option worth $10 million (approximately 13.4 billion won).

MLBTR emphasized that Abila has a much more solid track record in terms of career Major League innings (146⅓ innings, ERA 3.51) compared to Anderson. The outlet projected, "If Abila further proves his ability to handle innings and dominance as a full-time starter in the KBO League over the next two years, he will be able to secure a guaranteed contract worth $7 million to $10 million in the Major Leagues by the 2029 season when he turns 32."

Abila expressed his feelings through the team, stating, "I am truly happy to take the mound at Incheon SSG Landers Field again next year. I am grateful to the team for offering me a re-signing." He added, "I will thoroughly prepare my body and contribute to helping SSG win the championship in the 2027 season."

Attention is focused on whether Abila's gamble of choosing a two-year stay with the KBO League over a cheap minor league contract will eventually bear fruit as a lucrative guaranteed Major League deal.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original