Dutch right-hander Rick van den Hurk is leaving the Korean champion to join the Japanese champion. The 29-year-old is transferring from the Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organisation (KBO) to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). According to reports from Asia he will earn about $3.3 million through two years. The signing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but will become official in a few days.
Van den Hurk played two years for the Samsung Lions, winning the title twice. In 2014 he went 13-4 with an ERA of 3.18 in 25 games. He struck out 180 batters in just 152 2/3 innings, walking 45. He had an ERA of 3.95 in 143 2/3 innings in 2013. He received approximately $250,000 per year in Korea. Prior to entering the Asian baseball world, van den Hurk played affiliated ball in the United States. Twice with the Florida Marlins and the Baltimore Orioles he pitched in several game at the Major League level.
Dutch RHP Rick van den Hurk leaves Korea for Japan http://t.co/5gywp8rvR3 #mrbb
RT @MisterBaseball: Dutch RHP Rick van den Hurk leaves Korea for Japan http://t.co/5gywp8rvR3 #mrbb
RT @MisterBaseball: Dutch RHP Rick van den Hurk leaves Korea for Japan http://t.co/5gywp8rvR3 #mrbb
RT @MisterBaseball: Dutch RHP Rick van den Hurk leaves Korea for Japan http://t.co/5gywp8rvR3 #mrbb
RT @MisterBaseball: Dutch RHP Rick van den Hurk leaves Korea for Japan http://t.co/5gywp8rvR3 #mrbb
RT @MisterBaseball: Dutch RHP Rick van den Hurk leaves Korea for Japan http://t.co/5gywp8rvR3 #mrbb