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The SSG Landers, preparing for their final season at Incheon SSG Landers Field, have signed a foreign pitcher to form a duo with Pedro Abila (29).
SSG Landers announced on the 12th that they have signed new foreign pitcher Ryan Richardson (26) for a total of $1 million ($100,000 signing bonus, $900,000 annual salary).
With this acquisition, SSG has built a powerful core starting rotation for next season alongside Abila, who delivered impressive performances in the 2026 season.
Richardson, who stands 188 cm tall and weighs 93 kg, possesses a sturdy physique. He is a power pitcher who leverages his fast arm action to throw a fastball up to 157 km/h, pressuring batters. He is evaluated as having various strengths, including overwhelming command and excellent pitch movement.
SSG stated, "Above all, he boasts strikeout ability utilizing a sharp two-seam fastball and changeup, along with a high ground ball induction rate exceeding 54%. Therefore, SSG evaluates Richardson as a pitcher who fits the batter-friendly environment of Incheon SSG Landers Field."
Richardson, from Florida, USA, was recognized for his explosive command since high school. He is a former top prospect who was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2018 Major League Baseball draft with a high pick (47th overall in the second round). He debuted in the majors in 2023 and has appeared in 42 games in his career.
In the minor leagues, Richardson played in 167 games over a career spanning seven seasons, starting 102 of them to accumulate extensive starting experience. Over a career total of 492⅓ innings, he recorded 525 strikeouts, an ERA of 4.53, and a walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) of 1.44, proving his ability to handle innings and manage games stably as a starting pitcher.
SSG expects Richardson, a foreign player born in the 2000s, to not only maintain his current powerful command consistently but also further unleash his potential in the future.
After completing the contract, Richardson expressed his thoughts, saying, "I am very happy to join SSG Landers, a prestigious team. I will prepare thoroughly during the offseason so that I can bring victories to fans in Incheon."
Previously, SSG signed Abila to a deal worth up to $3.1 million over two years ($200,000 signing bonus, $2.8 million annual salary, $100,000 option).
With this, SSG has completed its foreign pitcher lineup. This season, the foreign pitchers other than Abila struggled with a record of 5 wins and 10 losses in 30 games. However, Abila swept up 9 wins (2 losses) in 14 games, posting an ERA of just 1.44. From the second half onward, when Abila provided support, SSG's pitching staff fully recovered, and the team achieved a performance good enough to rank second in the second half.
Expectations are building for how much of a different appearance SSG, which has already completed its foreign pitcher lineup, will show next season.
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
