Image of Go Woo-suk, the new South Korean pitcher for the San Diego Padres, taken on Thursday. Image via Instagram, courtesy of the San Diego Padres.
The San Diego Padres have made an exciting addition to their roster with the signing of South Korean reliever Woo-Suk Go.
The two-year contract, worth $4.5 million, includes a mutual option for 2026.
With bonus and escalator provisions, the deal could potentially reach $9.4 million over three seasons if Go becomes a regular closer.
This move demonstrates the Padres’ commitment to strengthening their bullpen and competing for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.
Woo-Suk Go’s Impressive Track Record
Go had an impressive season with the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) champion LG Twins in 2023.
He recorded a 3.68 ERA, 15 saves, and a 3-8 record in 44 appearances.
Over his seven-year career with LG, Go accumulated 139 saves and maintained an impressive 3.18 ERA.
In 2022, he led the KBO with 42 saves, showcasing his ability to excel in high-pressure situations.
The Padres were not the only team interested in Go’s services.
The Chicago White Sox and several other MLB teams were reportedly in the running for his signature. However, the Padres emerged as the victors, securing Go’s talents for the next two seasons.
A Potential Replacement for Josh Hader
With the departure of Josh Hader, who became a free agent at the end of the previous season, the Padres are in need of a new closer.
General manager A.J. Preller stated that the team will evaluate Go and recently signed Yuki Matsui during spring training to determine who will fill the role.
Preller emphasized that the team is focused on acquiring talented individuals who bring different strengths to the bullpen.
“We’re not going into this with any kind of roles yet,” Preller said. “We’re getting as much talent and guys who have different looks as we can. When we get to spring training, we’ll see how they adjust and throw the ball and understand how they will benefit the team.”
The Financial Details of the Contract
Go’s contract includes salaries of $1.75 million in 2024 and $2.25 million in 2025.
Additionally, there is a $3 million mutual option for the 2026 season, with a $500,000 buyout.
The Padres also paid a $900,000 posting fee to the LG Twins. However, if Go achieves performance bonuses or triggers escalators, the Twins could receive more compensation.
Performance-based Bonuses and Escalators
Go has the opportunity to earn performance bonuses throughout the duration of his contract.
He could receive a $100,000 bonus for pitching in 70 games in a single season.
Furthermore, he has the potential to earn up to $400,000 for pitching appearances in 2025 and 2026.
This includes earning $100,000 for every 40, 45, 50, and 55 games pitched in each respective season.
The escalator provisions in Go’s contract allow his salaries in 2025 and 2026 to increase by up to $500,000 based on games finished in the previous seasons.
For each season, Go can earn $125,000 for finishing 15, 25, 35, and 45 games.
Any escalators earned in the current season will apply to both 2025 and 2026.
The Twins’ Incentive
As part of the agreement, the LG Twins could receive additional compensation from the Padres based on 20% of any earned performance bonuses or triggered escalators.
This incentivizes the Twins to support Go’s success with the Padres and further strengthens the relationship between the two organizations.
Go’s Contract Details and Benefits
Go’s contract includes certain provisions that benefit him personally.
He cannot be assigned to the minor leagues during the 2025 season without his consent.
Once the contract ends, he will become a free agent, allowing him to explore other opportunities.
Additionally, Go will receive two roundtrip airline tickets between South Korea and the United States each year, making it easier for him to travel between his home country and his new team.
Conclusion
The San Diego Padres have made a significant move by signing Woo-Suk Go to a $4.5 million contract.
With the potential to reach $9.4 million over three seasons, this deal demonstrates the Padres’ commitment to building a strong bullpen and competing at the highest level.
Go’s impressive track record in the KBO, combined with the performance bonuses and escalators in his contract, provides both financial and personal incentives for him to excel with his new team.
As the Padres head into the upcoming season, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness Go’s impact on the field and see if he can fill the void left by Josh Hader’s departure.
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