"You can't play baseball here" — The foreigner's two-year contract, a 'luxury full villa' emerges: "I'm also looking forward to a full season" — SSG Abila's resolve

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"Abila, Abila."

The moment the Incheon SSG Landers Field, packed entirely with home fans, became the most lively was when Pedro Abila (29), who had signed a multi-year contract with the club, appeared as a special pinch hitter.

Abila played as a pinch hitter in the second inning of the '2026 Landers Special Match - Choi Gwang Baseball 1429' on the 17th at Incheon SSG Landers Field, recording one hit in three at-bats.

His mere appearance thrilled the fans. This was because Abila, who had completed a two-year contract with the team on the 16th, appeared as if he were about to return to his home country after signing.

This season, SSG finished the first half in ninth place but changed dramatically by 180 degrees as their starting rotation strengthened in the second half. Abila was at the center of that change. He pitched 93⅔ innings in 14 games, posting a record of nine wins and two losses with an ERA (ERA) of 1.44, delivering dominant performances.

He made one wonder what kind of results he could achieve as a 'full villa' (full-time Abila). His average innings pitched exceeded 6⅔ innings, surpassing league-leading innings eaters such as Ariel Hurdado (Samsung) and Raul Alcantara (Kiwoom), and his ERA was also dominant. His batting average against was .202, and his walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) was 1.00, indicating the level of a top-tier pitcher. While he pitches to contact to handle many innings, he also demonstrated excellent ability to finish batters himself by recording 93 strikeouts.

Abila was a key pillar for SSG's rebound next year, and he himself expressed his intention to remain with the team for more than two years to contribute strength. He delighted fans by signing a multi-year contract of up to two years.

Speaking with reporters before the game, Abila said, "It is truly like a dream and something I did not expect, but I am very happy," adding, "I have waited for this day while playing baseball for 11 years. It is truly an honor." He shared his feelings about the contract renewal.

His move to SSG became a turning point for Abila himself as well. "In the middle of not achieving the results I had expected at the beginning of the year, I came to Korea in a state where no one was expecting anything, but I produced unexpected results and that performance, which led to a good outcome and allowed me to gain a good opportunity. That is what I am most happy about," he said.

He expressed high satisfaction with his life in Korea. "My wife was particularly satisfied with her six months living in Korea. She was even happier when she heard the news that we would stay for two more years. The fact that our children are also loved a lot here is another good point about living in Korea," he explained.

In addition to being a model with outstanding skills, he practically offers many pieces of advice to young pitchers. "The quality of the pitchers is good. Not only the young players but also the bullpen and starting pitchers are very talented," he said. "It was another role of mine to add a word or two more to those players and help them. I want to help them as much as possible with the wish that they do even better next year," he expressed his desire.

How strong is a 'full villa'? If he could maintain this season's performance throughout the entire season, he would undoubtedly be at a level to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Abila also said, "Personally, I am looking forward to seeing how much I can do if I play a full season next year."

Although there were teams in the United States that showed interest, Abila decided to spend more time with SSG. Behind this decision lay a mindset of looking at the whole rather than just himself, which is rarely seen among foreign players. He said, "Before coming here, I heard that multi-year contracts are not often given to foreign players in Korea, and I wanted to open that opportunity," adding, "By signing a multi-year contract myself, I wanted to open the door of opportunity for other foreign players to also sign multi-year contracts."

Did he waver at the offer to go to the United States? Abila said, "I promised someone that I would stay here. Keeping that promise was my top priority, so I did not waver even with the offers."

Abila is also filled with anticipation for next season, when he can show his 100% form. "Injuries are something I cannot control, but without thinking about that, when I step onto the pitcher's mound, I will show my 100%," he vowed.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original