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SEOUL — Thomas Hatch, a 31-year-old American right-hander, has joined the SSG Landers as their new starting pitcher, marking his fourth country in professional baseball. The Landers announced the signing on Saturday, with Hatch replacing Mitch White, who was waived due to a rotator cuff injury, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Hatch, who has previously played in the United States, Canada, and Japan, told Yonhap on Wednesday at Jamsil Baseball Stadium that he has learned to focus on the present rather than looking too far ahead. "Honestly, through the years, I've learned that just going day to day is the best, not trying to look so far into the future," he said. "It's easier to handle a tough game like this if you just focus on the day at hand. Today, I was able to throw a good bullpen and then a few days down the road, it'll be to hopefully lead the team to a victory out on the mound. So I think (if you take) baby steps, big picture things will fall in place."

Coverage Comparison

Two Yonhap News Agency reports covered Hatch's signing and his introductory remarks. The first report, published on June 6, focused on the roster moves: the Landers waived White and terminated the deal with his temporary replacement, Ginjiro Hiramoto, to make room for Hatch. The same report detailed Hatch's salary of US$590,000 for the rest of the season and his recent statistics with the Arizona Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliate.

The second report, published on June 11, took a more human-interest angle, featuring Hatch's perspective on his journey and his decision to join the KBO. This report highlighted his "baby steps" philosophy and his excitement about the move, as well as his conversations with former teammates Mitch White and Jeremy Beasley, who have both played in the KBO.

Key Claims

  • Signing and roster moves: Yonhap reported that the Landers signed Hatch and waived injured starter Mitch White, terminating the contract of Ginjiro Hiramoto, who had been filling in for White. Hatch will earn US$590,000 for the rest of the season.
  • Hatch's background: According to Yonhap, Hatch was a third-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in the 2016 MLB draft and made his MLB debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020. He has appeared in 103 Triple-A games and 51 MLB games in his career, and he pitched in Japan in 2024.
  • Failed KBO attempt: Hatch signed with the Doosan Bears in November 2024, but the club terminated the deal a month later due to a failed physical, as reported by Yonhap.
  • Team situation: The Landers entered Saturday's games with the worst ERA in the KBO at 5.39, and they have allowed the most home runs and walks in the league, according to Yonhap. Hatch said he wants to contribute to a midseason turnaround.
  • Triple-A stats: Yonhap reported that with the Diamondbacks' Triple-A team this year, Hatch went 2-0 with a 4.01 ERA in 11 starts, recording 34 strikeouts and 10 walks in 51 2/3 innings.

Perspectives

Hatch's decision to join the KBO was influenced by the positive experiences of his former Blue Jays teammates Mitch White and Jeremy Beasley. "The biggest thing is that they said they really enjoyed it and they were treated really well," Hatch told Yonhap. "And I think that's the biggest factor in choosing to come here." He added that he was excited to learn and that every game he sees, he learns a little bit more.

The Landers, who are currently last in the league in team ERA, will be looking to Hatch to help stabilize their rotation. The club's decision to waive White and terminate Hiramoto's deal underscores the urgency of their midseason needs, as reported by Yonhap.

Hatch, who has played in the U.S., Canada, and Japan, is now preparing for his first KBO start, though he is still awaiting his work visa. He has been traveling with the team in the meantime, according to Yonhap.