"Multiple Teams" To Pursue KBO Free Agent

He's an American in Korea. And he's coming back home. After four successful seasons with the KBO's NC Dinos, former major league right-hander Drew Rucinski has become an international free agent. "Multiple" big league teams are expected to be interested.  

Source: RHP Drew Rucinski is an international free agent after the expiration of his contract with KBO's NC Dinos. Multiple @MLB teams expected to pursue the 33-year-old, after he finished second in KBO in IP and SO and posted a 2.97 ERA in 31 starts this year. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 1, 2022

Rucinski had a 2.97 ERA in 2022 in 31 starts and finished second in the league in strikeouts with 194 in 193 innings. Overall, in four years with the Dinos, the 33-year-old had a 3.06 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP, and a strong 8.1-to-2.3 K/BB ratio. 

And while he excelled as a starter in Korea, Rucinski's experience in MLB has been strictly as a reliever, having pitched for the Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins and Miami Marlins, for a total of 54 innings with a 5.33 ERA. 

But he's an extreme groundball pitcher, and there are plenty of teams battling it out in home run havens that could use that kind of skill. 

Drew Rucinski is a fascinating FA entering his Age 34 season. Generates more Ground Balls than anyone in MLB besides Framber Valdez (albeit in the KBO). There'll be some ambivalence after the Josh Lindblom experiment. Different profiles. Perfect fit for AL East Clubs.

— MLBExecutiveBurner (@HotStoveintel) November 16, 2022

Rucinski surrendered just 0.7 HR per 9 innings while in Korea. 

Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports