Drew Berhagen Joins NC Dinos: What This 2026 MLB Signing Means for KBO League

Daniel Kim | 2026.03.29

Translation result
Drew Verhagen / Photo courtesy of NC Dinos
[Sports Today reporter Sangpil Lee] The NC Dinos have signed right-handed pitcher Drew Verhagen to replace Riley on the injured list.

NC announced on March 28 that it signed Verhagen to a six-week deal worth $100,000 ($70,000 salary plus $30,000 in options).

Born Oct. 22, 1990, Verhagen is a 6-foot-6, 229-pound right-hander. Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2012, he has compiled experience in both Major League Baseball and Japan's NPB.

His fastball averages 149 km/h (about 93 mph) and can touch 154 km/h (about 96 mph). He pairs it with a changeup, cutter and sweeper—using the sweeper and changeup as his primary out pitches against both left- and right-handed hitters—and scouts praise his consistent command.

Verhagen spent the 2024–25 seasons with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in NPB, experience that should help his transition to the KBO.

NC expects Verhagen to help stabilize its rotation; he is scheduled to join the team on the 29th.


[Sports Today reporter Sangpil Lee sports@stoo.com]
「Your closest, most fun news ⓒ Sports Today」