KBO League's SSG Landers Sign Drew VerHagen: A New Chapter for the Veteran Pitcher
The SSG Landers of the Korea Baseball Organization have announced a significant addition to their roster for the 2026 season: a one-year contract with right-hander Drew VerHagen. This move marks a new chapter for the 35-year-old pitcher, who is set to earn $800K in guaranteed money, including a $750K salary and a $50K signing bonus, with an additional $100K available in contract incentives.
VerHagen's journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) spans eight seasons, during which he has pitched for the Tigers (2014-19) and Cardinals (2022-23). His role has primarily been as a long reliever, with a few spot starts, resulting in a 4.98 ERA over 281 2/3 innings. However, VerHagen's experience extends beyond MLB, as he has also pitched in Japan for the Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball during the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons.
In his time with the Fighters, VerHagen has accumulated an impressive overall ERA of 3.68, a 23.7% strikeout rate, and a 6.65% walk rate over 283 1/3 innings. However, his most recent season with the Fighters was his least successful in the NPB league, with a 6.08 ERA over 26 2/3 innings, leading to a majority of the season spent with the Fighters' minor league affiliate.
Now, VerHagen is set to join the SSG Landers, taking up one of the Fighters' allotted roster spots for foreign-born pitchers. This move comes as a replacement for Drew Anderson, who is returning to MLB on a one-year deal with the Tigers. With this transition, VerHagen will look to turn the page and make a fresh start in a new league and country, offering a unique opportunity for both the player and the team.
Will VerHagen's move to the KBO League be a successful one? Only time will tell. The baseball world awaits to see if he can replicate his previous success or if this new chapter will present unique challenges. Stay tuned as we follow VerHagen's journey in the KBO League!
