MyDaily — Reporter Shim Hye-jin: Kyle Hart, who starred with the NC Dinos, has struggled in his second season back in the major leagues and now faces the real possibility of losing a spot on San Diego’s 40-man roster.
On June 2 (Korean time), MLBTR reviewed club and mutual option situations across the National League West.
San Diego’s list included a familiar name: Hart.
In 2024 with NC, Hart posted a standout 13-3 record with a 2.69 ERA. After the season he earned the Golden Glove for pitchers and the Choi Dong-won Award.
Rather than re-signing with NC, Hart returned to the U.S. and initially signed a 1+1 deal with San Diego worth up to $6 million (approximately 8 billion KRW). He finished that stint 3-3 with two holds and a 5.86 ERA across 20 appearances, and San Diego declined its club option.
A KBO return briefly surfaced as a possibility, but Hart ultimately re-signed with San Diego.
He agreed to a 1+1 guaranteed contract worth $1.2 million (approximately 1.6 billion KRW) that includes a club option for 2027.
Under the terms, Hart will earn $1 million in 2026 (approximately 1.33 billion KRW). If the club exercises the option, he would make $2.5 million in 2027 (approximately 3.33 billion KRW) for an additional year; if the club declines the option, San Diego must pay a $200,000 buyout (approximately 267 million KRW).
Hart was shifted to the bullpen this season. In the majors he made 12 appearances, throwing 16 2/3 innings, allowing 10 runs and posting a 5.40 ERA. He issued six walks, hit two batters and struck out just 10.
He was optioned to Triple-A last month and has struggled in the minors as well.
In seven outings at Triple-A he has thrown 8 2/3 innings with no decisions and carries a 10.38 ERA.
MLBTR noted Hart’s minor-league numbers were even worse and added that, even accounting for the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, it’s unlikely Hart will hold a spot on San Diego’s 40-man roster heading into the offseason unless he mounts a dramatic late-season comeback.
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