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Former Oakland A’s pitcher Raul Alcantara heading back to KBO

By David Hill

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 29: Raul Alcantara #50 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 29: Raul Alcantara #50 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 29, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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After spending two seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, former Oakland A’s pitcher Raul Alcantara is heading back to the Korean Baseball Organization.

According to Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net, Alcantara is heading back to where he found his greatest success. He has signed with the Doosan Bears for 2023, earning an $800,000 salary with a $100,000 bonus.

Raul Alcantara hoping for repeat with Doosan Bears

Alcantara had been a solid prospect as he was coming up the ranks. Originally signed by the Red Sox out of the Dominican Republic, he joined the A’s as part of the return for Andrew Bailey and Ryan Sweeney. He continued to post solid numbers as he made his way through the A’s system, eventually making his to the majors at just 23 years old.

Although he spent parts of two seasons in the majors, Alcantara did not do much with the opportunity. He posted a 7.19 ERA and a 1.489 WHiP over his 46.1 innings, striking out 26 batters with 12 walks. After another year in the A’s system, he was released and signed with the KT Wiz in the KBO.

He had a mediocre season with the Wiz before switching teams and signing with the Bears for 2020. He posted an impressive 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. Alcantara won the Choi Dong-won Award, the KBO version of the Cy Young, and a Gold Glove for that impressive showing.

After two somewhat disappointing years in Japan, where he primarily worked as a reliever, Alcantara is back with the Bears. He is hoping to recapture that same magic he had in 2020, becoming one of the best pitchers in the league as he hopes to dominate once again.

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Raul Alcantara is heading back to the Korean Baseball Organization. He is back with the Doosan Bears, the site of his greatest success in professional ball.