Will Ponce return to the Pirates?

The article does not specify which MLB team Ponce might join upon his return from Japan.

Who is Ponce and what was his MLB history?

Ponce is a pitcher who debuted with the Pirates in 2020 and played for them until 2021.

What is the KBO and why do players go there?

The KBO is the professional baseball league in South Korea, often serving as a path for players to regain form and potentially return to MLB.

Home / Sports / Ponce's Pitch: A Journey Through KBO for a Second MLB Chance

Ponce's Pitch: A Journey Through KBO for a Second MLB Chance

3 Dec, 2025

•

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.

Ponce's Pitch: A Journey Through KBO for a Second MLB Chance

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.