Outfielder Jose Pirela, who played for the Samsung Lions until last year, will play in the Mexican League Winter League. The Mexican League’s Diablos Rojos del Mexico officially announced the signing of Pirela on Jan. 27 (KST).
Pirela played for Samsung for three years starting in 2021, batting .355 (1671-for-509) with 73 home runs, 286 RBIs, and 270 runs scored in 420 games.
Pirela gives his all in every game to help his team win. When you think of Pirela, the first thing that comes to mind is sprinting. Even when he hits an infield grounder, he sprinted to first base. Pirela’s gritty play is a positive influence on the entire team. He got along well with the players in the locker room and was recognized as a true member of the Lions.
In 140 games in his rookie year, he batted .258 (158-for-553) with 29 home runs, 97 RBI, 102 runs scored and nine stolen bases. In 2022, he played in 141 games, batting .342 (192-for-561) with 28 home runs, 109 RBI, 토토사이트 102 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases to complete a career-high season.
Despite his stellar performance, he was only one win shy of a batting title.
He finished second in six other categories, including batting average, most hits, home run percentage, on-base percentage, and RBI. Pirela lost out on the MVP award to Lee Jung-hoo (then with Kiwoom), but he shared the outfield Golden Glove with Na Sung-beom (KIA) and Lee Jung-hoo.
Despite putting up decent numbers in 139 games last year, batting .285 (159-for-557) with 16 home runs, 80 RBI, 66 runs scored and six stolen bases, he was not re-signed. Teammates took to social media to express their disappointment that Pirela was not re-signed.
Samsung signed David McKinnon to replace Pirela. McKinnon played 127 games for the Seibu Lions last year, batting .259 (120-for-464) with 17 home runs, 53 RBIs and 53 runs scored.
McKinnon is a medium-to-long range right-handed hitter with good vision and contact ability who can play solid first and third base defense. 토토사이트 추천 With his diligent work ethic and Japanese baseball experience, he is expected to adapt quickly to the KBO.
“With McKinnon’s addition, we are looking forward to diversifying our infield and strengthening our center field lineup,” said a club official.