Former Minnesota Twins pitcher Chris Paddack signed a contract with the Samsung Lions of the KBO in July after pitching for three MLB teams this year. Paddack, whom the Detroit Tigers acquired from the Twins ahead of the 2025 trade deadline, signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Miami Marlins over the offseason. He didn't even make it to summer with the Marlins, as Miami designated the right-hander for assignment in early May.
The Marlins released Paddack, 30, after he cleared waivers, allowing him to sign a deal with the Cincinnati Reds. A little over a month later, the Reds designated Paddack for assignment and released him after he cleared waivers. He then signed a contract with the Texas Rangers and appeared in just one game with the club before being DFA'd and electing free agency to sign with the KBO's Lions. Between the three MLB teams this year, Paddack posted a 6.79 ERA with a 1.67 WHIP over 57 innings.
Paddack, or the "Sheriff," has found new life in the KBO. The right-hander has posted a strong 2.93 ERA with a 0.96 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings across 10 starts for the Lions.
It looks like Paddack will have the opportunity to pitch in some big games with Samsung. The Lions' regular season ends on Oct. 7. The top five teams in the KBO, which consists of 10 clubs, reach the postseason. The Lions are currently the second seed with a 77-52 record.
Ex-Twins RHP Chris Paddack could return to MLB if he continues pitching well in KBO
If Paddack continues pitching well for the Lions and helps them make a deep playoff run, the right-hander could find himself back in the big leagues soon. However, given his recent struggles in the majors, he may be inclined to stay in the KBO a bit longer before attempting an MLB comeback. Not to mention, the looming lockout could cancel MLB games next year, if not the whole season, so Paddack might want to spend next year making money overseas.
Paddack would likely have to settle for a minor-league deal if he wanted to return to the majors in 2027, so pitching in the KBO another season might be best for his career anyway. If Paddack has another strong season overseas, he will have a much better shot at signing a major-league deal.
Paddack made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2019. The Padres traded Paddack to the Twins right before the 2022 season in a deal that included Taylor Rogers, Emilio Pagán and Brent Rooker. Paddack rarely pitched for the Twins in his first two seasons with the team due to injuries, then posted poor numbers in 2024 and 2025. The right-hander has a career ERA of 4.83 over 638 2/3 MLB innings.
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