Deok

Ju Ham

A status check is a formal procedure when MLB teams show interest in a KBO player. Since Ham has already accrued nine years of service time in the KBO, he is a true unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team in any league without requiring a transfer via the posting system. The 28-year-old has a 3.04 ERA with a 23.4 percent strikeout rate since 2018 but also has a 12 percent walk rate. In 2023, he pitched to a career-best 1.62 ERA in 57 appearances for the Twins and helped them win their first Korean Series title in 29 years. Ham is not a hard-thrower, but relies on a four-pitch mix including a change-up that has historically made him more effective against right-handed hitters despite throwing left-handed. There’s no word yet on whether or not he has interest in playing for an MLB team.