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Chris Paddack, the veteran American right-hander signed by the Samsung Lions in July, has made clear his ambition: to help the Korea Baseball Organization club end a championship drought that stretches back to 2014. In an interview with Yonhap News Agency, Paddack said he has been motivated by the Lions' championship banners at Daegu Samsung Lions Park and by conversations with older teammates, including 40-year-old catcher Kang Min-ho.

Coverage comparison

Yonhap News Agency reported on Paddack's signing in a July 11 article, noting that the Lions announced the addition of the former major league starter to bolster their rotation during the midseason break. A later Yonhap article, published July 24, focused on Paddack's personal drive to win a title, highlighting his discussions with teammates and his efforts to immerse himself in Korean culture. Both pieces come from the same wire service, with the first providing the statistical backdrop and the second offering a closer look at Paddack's mindset.

Key claims

Chris Paddack signed with the Samsung Lions, who are currently in first place in the KBO with a 51-32-2 record. He will earn $473,333 for the remainder of the season, according to the Lions. The 30-year-old right-hander has a career 32-43 record with a 4.83 ERA in 132 MLB games (119 starts) and has struck out just over eight batters per nine innings. He most recently pitched for the Texas Rangers and also appeared for the Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds this year before joining the Lions.

The Lions have the second-best team ERA at 4.11, though their starting pitchers rank fifth at 4.33. Paddack is replacing Australian left-hander Jack O'Loughlin, who had been a temporary replacement for injured starter Matt Manning. O'Loughlin, who signed a series of short-term contracts, had a 4-2 record with a 3.99 ERA through May but went 1-3 with a 6.67 ERA over his next six outings.

Paddack told Yonhap he is eager to help the Lions win, noting that the team's last championship banner reads 2014. "I am excited to do everything I can on and off the field to help this team win and make the fans excited to win because they haven't won since 2014," he said. "And we see that every time we walk in the clubhouse at home. That last banner says 2014. But then if you keep walking, it says our story isn't ending. It is going to be rewritten, and to be a part of that, I think it would mean a lot to me, a lot to this organization and a lot to the fans."

Paddack also recounted conversations with older teammates -- whom he jokingly called the "grandfathers of the team" -- about their desire to win a championship. He specifically mentioned catcher Kang Min-ho, who told him, "Hey, I have been playing for 23 years, and I don't have a ring. I want you to help us." Paddack acknowledged the pressure that comes with such expectations, saying, "That means a lot. There is a lot of pressure that comes with that."

Additionally, Paddack has noted the ability of KBO hitters to put the ball in play and has been working to immerse himself in Korean culture.