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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Raul Alcantara wins KBO version of Cy Young

By David Hill

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JULY 03: Pitcher Alcantara Raul #43 of Doosan Bears reacts in the top of the second inning during the KBO League game between Hanwha Eagles and Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium on July 03, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JULY 03: Pitcher Alcantara Raul #43 of Doosan Bears reacts in the top of the second inning during the KBO League game between Hanwha Eagles and Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium on July 03, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images) /
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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Raul Alcantara had an incredible season in the Korean Baseball Organization, culminating with his taking home their version of the Cy Young award.

After failing to make an impact during his time in the Oakland A’s organization, Raul Alcantara faced a difficult decision. He could either continue to toil away in the minors and hope for another chance, or he could head overseas, receiving a better payday while attempting to draw the attention of another major league team.

Alcantara chose the latter option, signing with the KT Wiz in the Korean Baseball Organization. After a decent season, he moved on to the Doosan Bears, where he immediately found success. Not only has Alcantara generated the interest that he had hoped for, but he has also earned recognition throughout the league, winning the Choi Dong-won Award, the KBO version of the Cy Young award.

This marks the third consecutive season that a foreign pitcher has won the award. Josh Lindblom had taken home the top honor in both 2018 and 2019 before returning stateside. Alcantara is hoping to follow in those footsteps.

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It is easy to see why Alcantara deserved this award. He dominated the KBO, posting an impressive 19-2 record with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.059 WHiP. Over his 190.2 innings, he struck out 177 batters with only 30 walks while allowing just 12 homers. It is certainly an improvement over his major league career, where he posted a 7.19 ERA and a 1.489 WHiP in 46.1 innings with the A’s.

Based on that success, Alcantara should generate some interest in free agency. However, it is not known if he is looking to return stateside, or if he would be interested in remaining in the KBO to attempt to further build his stock.

While Alcantara is an ace in Korea, that is not likely to be the case stateside. Chances are, he will fill out the back of a team’s rotation, slotting in as the fourth or fifth starter until he can prove that he can perform well in the majors. However, he would likely receive a better payday than he would in the KBO.

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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Raul Alcantara saw his dominant year culminate in winning the Choi Dong-won Award. Now he needs to decide if he is going to stay in Korea, or if he will attempt to resurrect his major league career.