Estevan Florial (28), who was placed on waivers by the Hanwha Eagles and waited in Korea without leaving, ultimately failed to find reemployment.
The KBO announced Florial as a free agent on the 26th. After Hanwha requested the waiver for Florial on the 19th, there were no waiver claims for a week. Even after the waiver announcement, Florial remained in Daejeon but did not receive a call. With the remaining season's KBO league reemployment failing, Florial will depart for the United States on the 27th.
Hanwha officially contracted Luis Liberato as a foreign hitter for a six-week injury replacement on the 19th. The contract period for Liberato is until the 25th, and there is no rush to decide after observing six additional games. Although there was internal consensus to formalize the contract when Liberato adapted faster than expected and completed the first half, there was no need to rush the announcement considering potential injury variables.
However, Kim Kyung-moon, the Hanwha manager, expressed his intention to make a quick announcement out of courtesy to Florial. It was a consideration from manager Kim Kyung-moon, who had always highly valued Florial's diligent and serious attitude. Director General Son Hyuk and the team's thoughts were the same, and the early announcement was decided to quickly open the path for Florial's reemployment.
Even after being placed on waivers, Florial did not leave Korea. He continued to use the apartment accommodation in Daejeon provided by the Hanwha team and stayed for another week. He prepared while waiting for any potential waiver claims from other teams in the KBO league. He also did not neglect his efforts to find his hitting feel by practicing indoor batting at a private academy in Daejeon.
However, there were no teams looking for Florial over the week. NC, which diagnosed Matt Davidson with a rib fracture and will be out for over six weeks, is looking for a short-term injury replacement foreign hitter instead of a complete replacement. According to KBO regulations, the waived Florial cannot be a foreign hitter for injury replacement. NC would have to give up Davidson to take him.
KT and SSG, who struggled with foreign hitters, were also noted as teams that might show interest in Florial. However, KT's Mel Rojas Jr. and SSG's Guillermo Heredia are both foreign hitters who have been proven in the KBO league for years and have high salary demands, making it difficult to swap them carelessly. It would be different if Florial were a sure player, but he was not at that level.
Ultimately, Florial left Korea after recording a batting average of .271 (70 hits in 258 at-bats), eight home runs, 29 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases in 65 games with Hanwha. While the statistics are not impressive, he was injured by a pitch during a rising trend, and an unexpected performance by a short-term replacement led to his early departure, which can be considered unfortunate.
Florial, a former top prospect from the New York Yankees, started the season with 17 at-bats and no hits in his first 20 plate appearances. He struggled with inconsistent batting, but he swung powerfully from May 21 against NC in Ulsan, batting .314 (22 hits in 70 at-bats), with four home runs, seven RBIs, and four stolen bases over 18 games, showcasing his potential.
Last month, Florial said, "At the beginning of the season, I worked hard to adapt to the new environment and league. As time went on, I adapted and the results have been getting better." Manager Kim Kyung-moon also noted, "Florial is gradually adapting. At this pace, is there really a need to change (the foreign hitter)? I hope he maintains his confidence and does even better. I hope we can go well together until the end."
However, on the 10th of last month against KIA in Gwangju, he was unfortunate to be hit by Jung Hae-young's pitch on his left pinky in the 10th inning. He was placed on the disabled list due to an avulsion fracture, and on the 15th of last month, he briefly left for the United States for recuperation and a family visit. He spent three weeks with his wife, who is pregnant with their second child, and returned to Korea on the 8th to prepare for his comeback.
In just three weeks, the situation changed dramatically. Liberato, who signed a six-week short-term contract, hit three hits on the first day without needing an adjustment period and has been swinging powerfully ever since. With Liberato's joining, Hanwha's lineup completely revived, and Florial's absence was not felt.
Even sensing the atmosphere of a complete replacement, Florial appeared at the KBO All-Star Game held in Daejeon on the 11th and 12th. Selected as one of the Top 12 outfielders by fan voting, he could not play due to injury but attended various events, including a fan signing event. He also took a commemorative photo with Kim Kyung-moon and other all-star players from Hanwha, but it ultimately became a farewell photo.
At the All-Star Game, Florial stated, "I felt a bit bored while resting. I'm very happy to meet the fans again and feel good," and added, "Injuries are things I cannot control. Being hit by a pitch is just something that happens. My goal is to prepare as quickly as possible and return." However, he was placed on waivers due to lack of luck and left Korea without completing the season. Hanwha will continue to pay his remaining salary.
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