Will the KBO's first new history result in another ML reverse export? For the first time since the 20-win pitcher

Sep 15, 2025

Will the KBO's first new history result in another ML reverse export? For the first time since the 20-win pitcher
NC-Hanwha match held at Hanwha Life Ball Park in Daejeon on the 1st. NC starter Riley is cooling off with an air conditioner before taking the mound. Daejeon = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2025.7.1/



He proudly listed himself in the meaningful KBO milestone. In this way, it seems that it is possible to export back to the Major League.

NC Dinos Riley Thompson has surpassed 200 strikeouts this season. Riley took the mound as the starting pitcher against the Doosan Bears in Changwon on the 14th and became the winning pitcher with two hits, 10 strikeouts, and one walk in six innings.

He added as many as 10 strikeouts in the game, and succeeded in inducing Doosan's Jake Cave to swing and miss on a three-pitch curve in the top of the sixth inning with two outs and no runners. It was his 10th strikeout of the game. It was his 200th strikeout this season.




This is the second time in NC's history. The main character of the first record was Eric Peddy, who played for NC in 2023. Pedi broke the club's history with 209 strikeouts at the time, with Riley reaching 200 strikeouts for the second time after Pedi, as well as now challenging a new record.

NC, which has the most remaining games (14 games) along with SSG Landers, can take the mound in a tight manner from No. 2 to No. 3 in the rotation. Beyond Pedi's record, it seems that it will be possible to set a new club record.

It's not just that. Riley set a new joint KBO record with Hanwha Eagles Cody Ponce and SSG Landers Drew Anderson. This year is the first time in KBO history that three pitchers have recorded 200 strikeouts in a season.




Will the KBO's first new history result in another ML reverse export? For the first time since the 20-win pitcher
The game between the Hanwha Eagles and the Kiwoom Heroes at Hanwha Life Ball Park in Daejeon on the 13th. Ponce cheers when Hanwha Liberato hit the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of the fifth inning. Daejeon = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.09.13/
As of the 15th, Ponce ranks first in the league with 236 strikeouts and Anderson ranks second with 225 strikeouts. The first record in history was achieved with Riley's addition.

The previous record was legendary pitchers. Haitai Sun Dong-yeol had 214 strikeouts in 1986, Lotte Choi Dong-won had 208 strikeouts, Lotte Joo Hyung-kwang had 221 strikeouts in 1996, and Hanwha Jung Min-cheol had 203 strikeouts. In addition, it is the first time in history that three 200 strikeouts have been born. In particular, all three of them are foreign nationals and have something in common.

Unlike teammate Logan Allen, who has no luck, Riley has been playing the team's ace this season. He is tied for second in multiple wins and third in strikeouts with 15 wins and 6 losses and an ERA of 3.55 in 27 games.




Will the KBO's first new history result in another ML reverse export? For the first time since the 20-win pitcher
A game between the Doosan Bears and the NC Dinos at Jamsil Stadium on the 14th. NC Riley is pitching hard. Jamsil = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.08.14/
Riley is one of the KBO League's pitchers who is also currently watching in the Major League. He signed a contract with NC for a total of $900,000 this year, including $250,000 in incentives, and he was born in 1996 and still has potential.

He was named by the Chicago Cubs in 2018, and he has been a minor league prospect, but has no big league career. Considering the age, physical conditions, and competitiveness shown in the KBO League, it may be possible to export back to the Major League. Major League scouts have already visited Changwon Stadium several times. NC is a club that already has cases of reverse export such as Peddy and Eric Thames. Riley could also be a strong candidate.





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.