Do we have to go there? Going to Korea, which opposed even 1.3 billion jackpots → Shock release...Why did you smile until the end and thank Lotte

Aug 07, 2025

The game between KIA and Lotte was held at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 6th. In the top of the fifth inning, Davidson, with one out and runners on first base, is happy after finishing the inning by treating Kim Sun-bin with a double play. Busan = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.06/

"When I first talked to my family, should I go there?"' There was also this reaction."

Left-hander Tucker Davidson received a total offer of $950,000 (about 1.3 billion won) from the Lotte Giants ahead of this season. Davison played five seasons in the U.S. Major League Baseball, but he is a pitcher who has never shown a value of more than $950,000. The KBO League was both a new opportunity and a scary place.

Above all, the family's response was not unconditionally friendly. Davison had only one game last year, but he was a pitcher who got a chance to play in the major leagues anyway. The KBO League is relatively low, and the Lotte Giants team was inevitably unfamiliar to the family.

Davison recalled the time he signed with Lotte and said, `To be really honest, the offer came from a league that was completely unexpected, and when I first talked to my family, should I go there?' There was also this reaction."

By May, Davison had been a top foreign pitcher. In 12 games, he recorded 6-1, 69 ⅔ innings, 65 strikeouts, and a 2.45 ERA, which made him look forward to renewing his contract.

However, the pace has dropped sharply since June. He was 3-4 with 47 ⅔ innings, 50 strikeouts and a 5.66 ERA in nine games in June and July. Since five innings are the limit, his ability to play in the inning has declined to the extent that he is called '5 Muwon', and rumors of a replacement have continued to flow until recently.

Davison tried to prove his value by starting against the Busan KIA Tigers on the 6th. In six innings, he pitched four hits, three walks, four strikeouts, and one run, leading the team to a 7-1 victory.

Davison had successfully finished his first game in August, raising hopes of staying, but the club had already been ready to part ways regardless of the result of the pitch. Shortly after Davison finished taking the mound, the club notified him of the release, and after the game, a final meeting with Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung followed.

Davison calmly accepted the breakup. I honestly confessed that I took the mound thinking that it could be the last time.

He said "It's not entirely unexpected. Actually, I've been doing such a bad job for the last few months, so I knew that atmosphere. Still, I was expecting it to a certain extent as long as it doesn't harm the team because Lotte is hoping for a playoff and a championship right now" he said.

The game between KIA and Lotte was held at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 6th. Lotte won the game 7 to 1. Davison, who finished his last appearance on the day, is saying goodbye to his teammates. Busan = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.06/

The game between KIA and Lotte was held at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 6th. Lotte won the game 7 to 1. Davison, who finished his last appearance on the day, is taking a commemorative photo with his teammates. Busan = Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.06/

Still, I was satisfied with being able to leave after achieving 10 wins for the first time in my professional career. In the Major League, it is a career to win two games in 2022 when he played for the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Angels, and in the minor leagues, eight wins in 2019 are the most in a single season.

Davison said "10 winning doesn't seem to have actually been there since college in my career. So I'm honored and grateful that I was able to come to the new league and win 10 games.'

At first, he went to Korea, which his family opposed, but now not only Davison but also his family are fascinated by Lotte and Busan. Davison's family unexpectedly watched the last game at Lotte and cried when they heard the news of the release.

Davison "Of course I can't help but be sad because I'm a person. First of all, I'm just grateful for everything these teammates and front office have done. I'm more grateful that I've been given the opportunity to help my family experience Busan and Korea."Lotte has no choice but to be remembered forever. I tried a new league, and almost all my colleagues approached me, and I was able to build a good relationship as I approached. I'll remember it for the rest of my life."

Manager Kim Tae-hyung said, "It was a farewell match for Davidson. I think he threw the last game really well and decorated the beauty of the end of the game. I think Davison's performance in the first half can help the team maintain its current ranking. I really appreciate it. He is a player with good work skills and skills who can perform well on a bigger stage. I want to cheer for the future of the player," he said, applauding.

Lotte catcher Yoo Kang-nam worked together in Davidson's last game. I think it will be memorable for a long time. I think I'm looking back on what I lacked as a catcher. I'll cheer for your future life, too," he said, expressing his gratitude and sorry.

Davison looked forward to playing in Korea again. Even if it's sad, it's a happy ending with Lotte.

He "I'm not going to turn off my cell phone. If there is a chance (in Korea), of course, I will win it," he said with a big smile.

The game between KIA and Lotte was held at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on the 6th. Lotte won the game 7 to 1. Director Kim Tae-hyung and Davidson share their joy of victory. Busan = Reporter Huh Sang-wook wook@sportschosun.com/2025.08.06/

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.