Brooks Rayleigh (35. New York Mets), a left-handed pitcher from Lotte Giants in the KBO League, has been selected for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) U.S. baseball team.
The US’New York Post’ reported on the 9th (Korean time) that a total of 12 Mets players will participate in the WBC. Rayleigh is one of them, and will be playing for the US national team. The final entries will be officially announced on the 10th.
Rayleigh played 5 years at Lotte from 2015 to 2019. He is the longest-serving foreign player in Lotte’s history, with a total of 152 games (910⅔ innings) in the KBO League for 5 seasons, 48 wins, 53 losses, an average ERA of 4.13, and 755 strikeouts.
He did not have a single win, but he struggled as a Lotte 1 starter. He is especially well known as the pickiest pitcher for Lee Jung-hoo (Kiwoom). In 17 career fights, Rayleigh had an overwhelming lead, going 0-for-15 with 1 walk, 1 walk, and 6 strikeouts. If Korea and the US meet in the semifinals or finals, a return match between Rayleigh and Lee Jung-hoo could be made.
Reilly, who returned to the United States in 2020, went through the Cincinnati Reds and became the main bullpen for the Houston Astros. After the 2021 season, he also won a two-year, $10 million multi-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. Last year, he had his best season with 60 games (53⅔ innings), 1 win, 2 losses, 6 saves, 25 holds, an earned run average of 2.68 and 61 strikeouts. He reigns as a grim reaper for left-handed batters with his unique three-quarter pitching form and slider. Last year, the batting average for left-handed hitters was in the 10% range (.155). 메이저놀이터
The Mets acquired Rayleigh in a trade in December of last year for Minor League left-hander Kishon Askew. Prepare as a member of the Mets who are aiming for a championship this season. However, Mets coach Buck Showalter, who is sending 12 players, including Rayleigh, to the WBC is full of worries. Coach Showalter said, “I am happy and proud that our players are participating in the WBC, but I am worried about their return.” But for me, I can’t help but selfishly think about what’s best for our team.”
Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Rayleigh, Adam Ottavino (US), Francisco Lindor, Edwin Diaz, Michael Perez (Puerto Rico), Eduardo Escobar, Omar Navaez (Venezuela), Jose Quintana (Colombia), etc. Most of the key pitching powers are recruited to the WBC. In addition, minor league players Cameron Op (England) and Claudio Scotti (Italy) go out.
Due to the nature of the WBC held right before the season, it is not easy to manage the condition of the participating players. Fatigue builds up or an injury can have a big impact on the team’s power from the beginning of the season. The Mets, which will win or fail with massive investment this winter, have no choice but to look closely at the WBC.
“I know our guys really want to go to the WBC,” Showalter said. There are no players forced to go,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how many players are missing from each of the 30 teams. In order to maintain a certain level of competitiveness in the demonstration game, no team should have an advantage,” he said.