Tigers look to Yang, Na to give them an edge this year

Two big offseason deals this year could help bring the KBO’s winningest team out of the bottom half of the table and back into contention.

After a year apart, the Tigers will once again see franchise star Yang Hyeon-jong back on the mound in Gwangju after an abortive attempt to make it in the big leagues.

On the other side of the roster, outfielder Na Sung-bum joins the Tigers after a hugely successful career with the NC Dinos where he was often also considered a major league contender. Na’s big league dreams never materialized, but his loss could prove to be Kia’s gain this year.

The Tigers have completely replaced their foreign player lineup, bringing in outfielder Socrates Brito and pitchers Ronnie Williams and Sean Nolin.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]