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Oakland A’s: Raul Alcantara wins KBO Golden Glove

By David Hill

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 24: Pitcher Alcantara Raul #43 of Doosan Bears throws in the bottom of the first inning during the Korean Series Game Six between Doosan Bears and NC Dinos at the Gocheok Skydome on November 24, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 24: Pitcher Alcantara Raul #43 of Doosan Bears throws in the bottom of the first inning during the Korean Series Game Six between Doosan Bears and NC Dinos at the Gocheok Skydome on November 24, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images) /
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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Raul Alcantara added another honor after his impressive season in the Korean Baseball Organization, winning the Golden Glove for pitchers.

Raul Alcantara had an incredible season in the Korean Baseball Organization in 2020. The former Oakland A’s pitcher appeared far more comfortable in his second year overseas, emerging as the ace of the Doosan Bears. His impressive performance led to his taking home the Choi Dong-won Award, KBO’s version of the Cy Young Award.

His impressive performance this season has resulted in another award as well. Alcantara won the Golden Glove award as well.

As one can tell by the designated hitter, this is not the same as the Gold Glove in the US. While defense does have a degree of influence in the winner, this award usually goes to the best offensive player at each position. Or, in the case of Alcantara, the best pitcher in the league.

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Since Alcantara won the Choi Dong-won Award, it would have been a moderate surprise had he not taken home the Golden Glove as well. He certainly dominated on the mound, posting a 20-2 record with a 2.54 ERA and a 1.027 WHiP over his 198.2 innings, striking out 182 batters with 30 walks.

This award adds another accomplishment to his resume. It is possible that his success in 2020 will lead to opportunities stateside, although his inclinations are not currently known. After all, Dan Straily was expected to pursue an opportunity stateside after his impressive season in the KBO, only to decide to remain in Korea.

If he does remain in the KBO, he is likely in line for an impressive payday. Straily will earn $1.2 million with another $500,000 in incentives for the upcoming season, a number that Alcantara could approach. Chances are, that would be a better payday than he would receive if he sought a return to the majors.

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Raul Alcantara added another honor in an impressive 2020 campaign. The former Oakland A’s pitcher has truly turned his career around in the KBO.