Hanwha Eagles bolster their pitching rotation with the signing of Jack Cushing, a 1.90m right-hander and former Triple-A wins leader, as a replacement for injured ace Owen White. The move comes amid the team’s challenging start, including a 15-game skid, and aims to inject momentum into the KBO campaign.
Owen White’s Setback Triggers Swift Action
Owen White debuted for Hanwha on March 31 against the KT Wiz at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park. During the third spring training game, White covered first base on a grounder in the first inning but suffered a right hamstring strain after allowing three runs. An MRI confirmed the moderate tear, sidelining him for six weeks.
Hanwha officials acted decisively, securing Cushing the next day on a six-week contract worth $90,000, including a $60,000 salary and $30,000 in incentives. This marks the largest single-year deal for a foreign player replacement.
Jack Cushing’s Proven Pedigree
Born in 1996, Cushing boasts a fastball topping 150 km/h. Across his minor league career, he appeared in 165 games with 83 starts, logging 565 1/3 innings over 46 wins, 30 losses, and a 4.95 ERA.
In Triple-A, Cushing made 69 appearances (15 starts), posting a 14-7 record despite an 8.10 ERA. Over 38 games (6 starts), he notched 11 wins and 2 losses. Despite a recent slump, his overall talent prompted multiple teams to pursue him, but Hanwha succeeded where others faltered.
Hanwha officials stated, “We dispatched three scouts to major league spring training camps to build a list for injury contingencies. The signing of Cushing followed immediately after White’s injury.”
Echoes of Ryan Weiss Success
Cushing joins a lineage of impactful replacements. Ryan Weiss, previously with no MLB experience and stints in the minors, Doosan, and Daimler leagues, transformed into Hanwha’s ace. In 30 games, Weiss delivered 16 wins, 5 losses, and a 2.87 ERA, earning ‘one-top pitcher’ status before his MLB debut.
Cushing arrives in Seoul on April 5, merging with the first-team roster for the game against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium. Following medical tests, he eyes a spot in the rotation.
Cushing’s Excitement for Hanwha
Cushing expressed enthusiasm: “I’m proud to join Hanwha, meet the fans, and bring excitement. It’s my dream to experience Korean culture firsthand and engage directly with the best clubs.”
He added, “Even if the team racks up wins, I’ll lead the charge. I want to play energetically alongside teammates and fans from the mound.”
