The Korean Baseball Organization, and other foreign leagues, have gained a much higher stature in recent years. Not only have those leagues become a pipeline for major league caliber talent, but they have been a way for players to resurrect their careers. Sean Nolin, the one former member of the Oakland A’s to be a part of the KBO at the start of the 2022 season, is hoping that will be the case for him.
Nolin was part of the disastrous Josh Donaldson trade, spending just one season in the A’s system before being released. Much of that 2015 campaign was spent at Triple-A, but he did make six appearances at the major league level. That time was a disappointment, as Nolin posted a 5.28 ERA and a 1.621 WHiP over his 29 innings, striking out 15 batters with 12 walks.
Former Oakland A’s pitcher Sean Nolin hoping KBO can resurrect career
He did not return to the majors until last year. In between, Nolin spent time with four different organizations, the Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League, and the Seibu Lions in Japan. Although he spent two years in the Brewers organization, Nolin never pitched for them, having undergone Tommy John surgery.
That return trek to the majors was not much better. Nolin posted a 4.39 ERA, albeit with a 1.668 WHiP in his 26.2 innings with the Nationals, striking out 20 batters with 13 walks. Even though he was better at limiting runs and had a better strikeout rate, Nolin still struggled to record outs.
Maybe a trek to the KBO will make a difference. It has for other pitchers in the past, allowing them to find a way to return to the majors and be effective. However, as Nolin will be 33 at the start of the 2023 season, it is not a guarantee that the former top prospect will get another chance.
The Oakland A’s will be represented in the Korean Baseball Organization in 2022. Sean Nolin is heading to the Kia Tigers in hopes of resurrecting his career.