Cubs News: Addison Russell signing with pro team |
Addison Russell has found a new home in South Korea to rebuild his career and life.
The Kiwoom Heroes (23-17) of the Korean Baseball Organization announced on Saturday that they have signed Russell for the remainder of the 2020 season for $530,000. General manager Kim Chi-Hyun had the following to say about Russell's baseball skills. "He's a versatile player who excels in every aspect of the game, whether it's hitting, fielding or base running," Kim said in a press release. "As a major league All-Star, he has already proven himself. We believe he'll be a tremendous addition to our ballclub." In 2019, Russell hit .237 with nine homers, 23 RBIs, and 0.2 WAR. Russell was non-tendered by Chicago after last season after serving a 40-game domestic violence suspension. For his MLB career (5 seasons with Cubs), the 26-year-old hit .242 with 60 homers, 253 RBIs, and 10.7 WAR. His best season was in 2016 when he hit .238 with 21 homers and had a 3.7 WAR, was an All-Star, and actually finished 19th in the National League MVP voting. #KBO signing: Addison Russell signs with Kiwoom Heroes. $530,000 deal.
Addison Russell socially distancing all the way to Korea pic.twitter.com/KUyDjZfEYM
#KBO note: Kiwoom Heroes' GM Kim Chi-hyun told me that before signing Addison Russell, the Heroes were in talks to sign Yasiel Puig, who ultimately decided to give MLB another shot in 2020.
More on Addison Russell signing with #KBO club Kiwoom Heroes: a team official told me they were obviously aware of Russell's past domestic violence case, but since he's already served his ban and played in the majors afterward, they felt comfortable enough to sign him (cont'd)
Kiwoom Heroes have signed Addison Russell. Regardless of our feelings about the guy, he’s a significant addition. #KBO
The @Cubs’ fall from MLB elite teams began w/his domestic abuse issues. They were a much better team w/Russell at SS and Javy Baez at 2B than they’ve been w/Baez at SS and a rotating cast of second basemen. Very interesting, very sad, story. https://t.co/DvcMhsD6ga
Addison Russell will be making more money than Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Gleyber Torres this year. https://t.co/nINdxSdbzb
