The San Diego Padres have made a remarkable addition to their bullpen, signing Korean relief pitcher Woo Suk Go to a two-year contract worth $4.5 million.
Go, a 25-year-old right-hander, has impressive credentials as the former closer for the LG Twins in the Korea Baseball Organization. During his five-year stint, he accumulated 139 saves and a 2.39 ERA, showcasing his prowess as a reliable closer.
Go’s standout performance in 2022, with a 1.48 ERA and 42 saves, earned him recognition as one of the top relievers in the KBO.
Although his 2023 season was slightly less impressive, with a 3.68 ERA, he still demonstrated his skill by allowing only two home runs in 44 innings.
The Padres’ bullpen, bolstered by the addition of Go, now boasts a formidable trio with Robert Suarez and Yuki Matsui.
General Manager A.J. Preller emphasized the team’s approach to building a diverse and talented bullpen, stating, “We’re not going into this with any kind of roles yet… we’re getting as much talent and guys who have different looks as we can.”
Go’s arsenal features a mid-to-high 90s fastball, a low 90s cutter, and a devastating 12-to-6 breaking ball, making him a valuable asset to the Padres’ pitching staff.
As part of the KBO posting system, the Padres will pay the LG Twins $900,000, 20% of Go’s contract guarantee.
The deal also includes a mutual option for 2026. Go’s family connection to the baseball world extends beyond his own career, as he is married to the sister of Jung Hoo Lee, who recently signed a six-year, $113 million deal with the San Francisco Giants.