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Ponce's Pitch: A Journey Through KBO for a Second MLB Chance
3 Dec
Summary
- Ponce pitched for the Pirates from 2020-2021, appearing in 20 games.
- He moved to Japan after being released by the Pirates in 2021.
- Ponce follows a path of other pitchers returning to MLB from the KBO.
Pitcher Ponce, who debuted in Major League Baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the abbreviated 2020 season, is now seeking a return to the league after a detour in Japan. His initial MLB tenure spanned two years, during which he appeared in 20 games, including five starts. Over 55 1/3 innings, Ponce recorded a 1-7 win-loss record with a 5.86 earned run average, also giving up 13 home runs.
Following his release by the Pirates after the 2021 season, Ponce took his talents to Japan. This move aligns him with a growing trend of pitchers leveraging opportunities in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to revitalize their careers and secure a path back to MLB. Notable examples include Erick Fedde and Merrill Kelly.
Fedde, after a strong 2023 season in Korea, returned to MLB and performed well in 2024. Merrill Kelly also successfully transitioned back to MLB after spending four seasons in the KBO. Ponce's journey exemplifies the potential for players to find renewed success and opportunity abroad before aiming for a second MLB chance.
