A foreign player has been found, but it is uncertain whether he will be able to see him playing in matches. Even if he finds a player who wants to come to Korea, he still has complicated paperwork. The key now is a race against time. Will Lewin Diaz, 28, be able to wear the Samsung Lions uniform.
Samsung is seeking to recruit Diaz as the replacement for Ruben Cardenas, who has been mired in controversy over the failed bid. Although it is true that Samsung negotiated with Diaz, it is uncertain whether the deal will be made as the visa issuance process still remains. “We have had contact with Diaz. However, we still have paperwork,” a Samsung official said.먹튀검증
The KBO has a rule that only players who joined the club until August 15 can play in the postseason. This means that Samsung needs to complete Diaz registration by the deadline to use foreign batters when it enters the fall baseball league. Since the 15th is a public holiday, visa issuance should be completed on the 14th. Time is running out. Samsung plans to do its best to register Diaz as a player until the end.
Diaz is a left-handed hitter who doubles as a first baseman and outfielder. Diaz, who debuted in the Major League with the Miami Marlins in 2020, recorded 13 homers, 27 RBIs and 30 runs batted in (58 hits in 321) and a .227 on-base percentage of .340 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of .567 in 112 games over the next three years. He recently played in the Minor League. In the 2023 season, he played 118 games for the Norfolk Ties, a Tribble A team under the Baltimore Orioles, and posted 17 homers, 60 RBIs and 64 runs batted in (111 hits in 414 times at bat) with an on-base percentage of 0.362 OPS of 0.804.
This year, he played in the Mexican league, not the U.S. A former member of Diablososos del Mexico, Diaz had 19 homers, 77 RBIs and a batting average of 0.375 (101 hits in 269 times at bat) in 75 games with a 0.452 slugging percentage of 0.6476 OPS 1.099. Even in a conditional environment, Diaz is expected to be a “big hit” type batter that Samsung wants, adding weight to the lineup.
Cardenas is the reason why Samsung is in such a tight race to recruit foreign players. Cardenas did not play due to back pain after just six games. Even though he was diagnosed with no problem after several hospital checkups, Cardenas still held on to his back. Then, on the 6th, Cardenas personally conveyed his intention to play to the coaching staff, but again complained of back pain. He raised eyebrows during the defense process with his lackluster plays.
Eventually, Cardenas was removed from the entry the next day. If Diaz is completed, Cardenas will have to leave Korea after playing only seven games. Cardenas had two home runs, five RBIs, two runs batted in (eight for 24) and a 0.333 on-base-plus-slugging percentage of 0.667 OPS during the period.
Of course, foreign players can be replaced even after Sunday. However, Samsung, which has been in the race for the top ranks throughout this season, is aiming more than just advancing to the post season. Samsung’s batting lineup is full of young players. Most of the players have no experience in major performances. There are many hitters who cannot be a constant on major performances. We need foreign hitters who can surely lead the batting lineup.
As a result, he cannot completely let go of Cardenas. If he fails to complete recruiting Diaz by June 15, he should continue his company by crying and eating mustard. Attention is focusing on which player Samsung will spend the rest of the season with.