A 17-win pitcher goes to ML under a minor contract? That's absurd. the final stage of negotiations

A 17-win pitcher goes to ML under a minor contract? That's absurd. the final stage of negotiations
In the game between Lotte and NC at Changwon NC Park on the 19th, NC starter Riley is pitching hard. Changwon= Reporter Huh Sang-wook's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.09.19/



'Wang of multiple wins'Challenge to Major League Baseball with a minor contract? NC Dinos was optimistic that "negotiations are in final stages"

Recently, rumors circulated on social media that right-hander Riley Thompson, who played in NC this season, signed a minor contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that included an invitation to spring camp.

Although the evidence was unclear, there is no choice but to suspect 'just in case'. However, from a common sense point of view, no matter how much the invitation to the big league camp is included, if it is a minor contract, the terms of the contract renewal with the KBO League club will be much better. Based on foreign players who have played in the KBO League so far, most players who have failed to renew their contracts will be treated this much and will try again in the Major League.




Furthermore, NC was already reviewing the contract with Riley as a candidate for renewal. Unless NC suddenly brought in two foreign pitchers and signed a contract, there seemed to be no reason for Riley to sign a minor contract under these conditions.

A 17-win pitcher goes to ML under a minor contract? That's absurd. the final stage of negotiations
The start of the game was delayed due to rain on the ground ahead of the start of the second wild card game between NC and Samsung held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 7th. Riley and Koo Chang-mo heading to the dugout. Daegu=Reporter Huh Sang-wook's wook@sportschosun.com/2025.10.07/
However, it is true that NC expressed its intention to renew the contract with Riley, but the news was delayed, raising questions. But NC also had a reason. As Eric Peddy and Kyle Hart were released from their teams, the possibility of returning to Korea had to be considered. In particular, Hart re-signed with the San Diego Padres quickly, but NC had no choice but to wait until the end because there is a possibility that Peddy will come to Korea.

Peddy wants to wait a little longer for Major's offerNC's plan changed again as it expressed its intention to ". The top priority now is re-signing Riley and recruiting a new foreign pitcher.




A 17-win pitcher goes to ML under a minor contract? That's absurd. the final stage of negotiations
The NC-Doosan match held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 26th. Riley took the mound as NC's starting pitcher. Jamsil = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2025.9.26/
Contrary to rumors, it is not true that Riley will sign a minor contract and return to the U.S. The NC club has also never been informed of anything related from Riley's side. Lim Seon-nam, NC's general manager, said, `We have continued to negotiate with Riley well, and I think it will end well," he positively predicted that the contract will be finalized soon.

Riley, who signed with NC ahead of the 2025 season after playing as a minor leaguer without a big league career, recorded 17 wins, 7 losses and an ERA of 3.45 in 30 games this season. Even in the face of constant variables in the team's starting rotation, he played 172 innings without any special departure, playing the role of 'Ace'. Riley's performance was decisive even though NC confirmed its miraculous advance to the semifinals at the last minute.





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.