Daejeon: The Hanwha Eagles on Tuesday announced their signing of outfielder Luis Liberato as their temporary injury replacement. The Eagles said Liberato, who had a brief stint with the San Diego Padres in 2022, has agreed to a six-week deal worth US$50,000. The Dominican Republic native will fill in for center fielder Estevan Florial, who is sidelined with a broken right pinkie.
According to Yonhap News Agency, since the start of last season, Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) clubs have had the option to sign foreign players to short-term deals to compensate for those ruled out for at least six weeks. This season, the SSG Landers, the LG Twins, and the Kiwoom Heroes have already utilized this rule.
Liberato, 29, played in seven games for the Padres, going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts. Prior to joining the Eagles, he played in Mexico, boasting a .373/.448/.690 batting line with eight home runs and 29 RBIs in 29 games for the Diablos Rojos del Mexico. He also participated in the 2024-2025 Dominican Winter League.
The Eagles described Liberato, who bats and throws left, as a "spray hitter" with good bat speed. They noted his ability to cover significant ground in the outfield. Liberato is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Thursday.
Entering the new week, the Eagles maintain first place with a record of 41-27-1 (wins-losses-ties), holding a half-game lead over the Twins.