Korea’s Samsung Lions Acquire Arnold Leon

The Samsung Lions of the Korea Baseball Organization have acquired right-hander Arnold Leon. Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net noted on Twitter that a move was in the works, and it’s since been announced by the team (via Yonhap News).

Leon, 27, had been pitching for the Blue Jays’ organization, which acquired him from the A’s for cash over the winter. He provided Oakland with 26 2/3 frames of 4.39 ERA ball last year, and had surrendered two earned runs in 2 1/3 MLB innings in 2016. Since being outrighted off of the 40-man, Leon has thrived in limited action at Triple-A Buffalo, where he’s allowed just three earned in a dozen frames with 16 strikeouts against just two walks.

It’s not clear what kind of release fee was negotiated, but it seems likely that Toronto received some compensation. Leon, meanwhile, will earn $500K in Korea, which he’s only have been able to take down in the majors if he stayed up all year. He is said to be Samsung’s replacement for Collin Balester, who was released after early struggles.