SSG Landers sign Juan Lagares to replace Kevin Cron

Outfielder Juan Lagares poses as he signs his contract to join the SSG Landers in an image released by the club on Friday. [SSG LANDERS]

The SSG Landers on Friday announced the signing of former major league Gold Glove winner Juan Lagares for $495,000, releasing Kevin Cron to make room on the roster.

Lagares, who played the majority of his major leaguer career with the New York Mets, will earn $400,000 in guaranteed salary with $95,000 in incentives.

Lagares signed with the Mets in 2006 but spent years playing in the minor leagues as he struggled with various injuries. He made his big league debut in 2013, and in 2014 he won the Gold Glove and was recognized as the best center fielder on defense in the National League.

His form gradually dipped over the following seasons and injuries became more of a concern, with the Mets ultimately opting not to renew his contract at the end of the 2019 season. Lagares spent a couple of years in the minors before joining the Los Angeles Angels last season and worked his way back into the major league roster.

He appeared in 20 games with the Angels this year, picking up 11 hits and four runs with a .183 batting average.

Lagares replaced Cron, who made his KBO debut with the Landers this year. Cron leaves the top-ranked club with a .222 batting average, 35 RBIs and 11 home runs having spent some time in the Futures League in recent weeks.

Cron is not the only Landers player facing the chop this month. The club is also said to be looking for a replacement for Ivan Nova, the former New York Yankees pitcher who was seen as one of the biggest names ever to join a KBO team when he was signed in December last year.

Injuries overshadowed the Dominican veteran's career here, with just 12 appearances in the season so far for three wins, four losses and a 6.50 ERA.

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