Former big league pitcher Matt Sauer has signed with the KT Wiz of the KBO league, the team announced Thursday. The 26-year-old inked a one-year, $950K deal that includes a $750K salary and a $200K signing bonus. “Sauer is a power pitcher with extensive starting experience, and we expect him to anchor the rotation with his strong fastball and diverse pitches,” general manager Na Do-hyun said in a statement.
The Dodgers designated Sauer for assignment and released him in September. He returned to the team on a minor league pact later in the month. Sauer will now leave MLB to pursue an opportunity abroad.
Sauer made 10 appearances for Los Angeles this past season, struggling to a 6.37 ERA over 29 2/3 innings. His overall numbers were tanked by a disastrous outing in June. A slew of pitching injuries led the Dodgers to recall Sauer for a June 10 game against San Diego. With few options behind him, Sauer was left out there to throw 111 pitches over 4 2/3 innings, allowing nine earned runs on 13 hits.
The Yankees drafted Sauer in 2017. He posted strong strikeout numbers at multiple minor league levels, but never reached the big leagues with New York. The Royals scooped him up in the Rule 5 draft following the 2023 season. Sauer made 14 appearances with Kansas City in 2024, posting a 7.71 ERA. He was returned to the Yankees at the end of May. Sauer elected minor league free agency last offseason, ultimately landing in LA.
KBO teams can carry up to two foreign-born pitchers. The Wiz opened last season with lefty Enmanuel De Jesus and righty William Cuevas, then swapped out the latter for righty Patrick Murphy in July. It’s unclear whose spot Sauer will take for 2026.