The LG Twins of the KBO League have announced a trio of re-signings for the 2026 season, keeping their foreign-born players from the previous year. The team has secured the services of right-hander Yonny Chirinos, first baseman Austin Dean, and right-hander Anders Tolhurst. These players were instrumental in the Twins' 2025 Korean Series victory, with Dean also contributing to the franchise's 2023 championship. Dean's contract is the largest at $1.4MM, with $1.1MM in salary and a $300K signing bonus, plus $300K in incentives. Chirinos received a $300K signing bonus, $900K in guaranteed salary, and up to $200K in incentives. Tolhurst's contract includes $800K in salary, a $200K signing bonus, and potential $200K in incentive bonuses. Dean's impressive KBO career includes a .315/.384/.560 batting average with 86 homers over 1686 plate appearances, earning him a KBO All-Star selection in 2023 and two Golden Glove Awards. His previous MLB experience with the Marlins, Cardinals, and Giants from 2018-22 was less successful, with a .228/.286/.390 batting average over 365 plate appearances. Chirinos, a former big leaguer, struggled with a Tommy John surgery, posting a 5.31 ERA across 122 innings from 2022-24. However, his move to Seoul revitalized his career, resulting in a 3.31 ERA across 30 starts and 177 innings. Tolhurst, a 23rd-round draft pick, never received MLB playing time but excelled in the KBO League, posting a 2.86 ERA over 44 innings with the Twins, including wins in crucial games.
