A one-time underutilized pitcher from the Boston Red Sox embarks on a journey abroad to join the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).

Left-handed pitcher Kyle Hart, who made appearances for the Boston Red Sox during the 2020 COVID-affected season, is set to join the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) for the 2024 season. The NC Dinos officially announced the signing of the former MLB pitcher, with the 31-year-old agreeing to a one-year contract valued at up to US$900,000. His deal includes a $500,000 salary, a $200,000 signing bonus, and the potential to earn an additional $200,000 through incentives.

Hart, originally drafted by the Red Sox in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, played collegiate baseball at the University of Indiana. His brief stint with the Red Sox in 2020 consisted of four games, including three starts, resulting in a challenging 0-1 record and a 15.55 ERA. Subsequently, he spent the entire 2021 season at Triple-A Worcester and transitioned through Double-A and Triple-A teams in 2022, playing for the Red Sox, Phillies, and Mariners organizations in 2023, where he compiled a cumulative record of 4-6 with a 4.53 ERA.

This move to the KBO is advantageous for Hart, offering financial security and a more certain path to playing time on the field. A successful performance in the KBO could potentially pave the way for his return to the United States in 2025, following in the footsteps of players like Chris Flexen and Erik Fedde, who have made comebacks after finding success in Korea.