Nick

Kingham

Kingham’s release is a little surprising, as the right-hander has pitched well in the KBO. It likely has to do with health, as the 30-year-old has dealt with an arm issue in the 2022 season. He could be of interest to an MLB club this summer, but obviously that will be determined in part by his health.

Kingham recorded a sparkling 3.19 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 131/41 K/BB ratio across 144 innings (25 starts) in his KBO debut last season. The 30-year-old righty will earn a base salary of $700,000 and can collect an additional $200,000 through incentives next year.

Kingham spent the 2020 season in the KBO as well, where he posted a 6.75 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 6/4 K/BB ratio across 10 2/3 innings for the SK Wyverns. The 29-year-old right-hander will earn a base salary of $250,000 along with a $100,000 signing bonus. He can also earn an additional $200,000 in incentives.

Kingham, 28, elected free agency after being outrighted by the Blue Jays to Triple-A Buffalo in August. Considered to be one of the best pitching prospects in baseball in the early part of the decade, the right-hander has struggled with injuries since, and hasn’t been particularly effective even when healthy. He’ll have a chance to reestablish his stock with a strong season in the KBO.

Kingham was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Clay Buchholz on August 25, and rather than report to the Bisons, he’ll have the opportunity to join a new organization. Once a top 100 prospect with the Pirates, Kingham has struggled with injuries -- and struggled when he hasn’t been injured -- and will be a reclamation project with whatever team he lands with.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Clay Buchholz. Kingham cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last month and probably will again.

Kingham must have suffered the injury during his three shutout innings against the Orioles on Friday night. He’ll be on the shelf for at least a couple of weeks. Yennsy Diaz was promoted from Double-A New Hampshire in a corresponding move.

Kingham came on after Wilmer Font kept the Orioles off the board through the first two innings, and he kept the zeroes going through the fifth. He allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out two in the ballgame. Even with this strong outing though, Kingham still sports a cringe-inducing 7.28 ERA and 1.85 WHIP across 55 2/3 innings on the year.

Kingham lost his spot on the 40-man roster last month but is now back. He’ll operate in long relief.

Kingham cleared waivers after being designated for assignment and will remain in the organization.