Milwaukee Brewers: Lefty Wei-Chung Wang heading to Korea

Everybody’s favorite Rule 5 selection, Wei-Chung Wang, is no longer with the Milwaukee Brewers. The KBO Came calling, and Wang has reportedly answered.

The left-handed pitcher has always been an intriguing option while with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Crew carried him on the 25-man in 2014, even though he did not belong at the Major League level. In only 17 1/3 innings pitched, he allowed a staggering 21 earned runs with only 13 strikeouts and eight walks.

It was a challenging season for Wei-chung Wang in 2014, but his “stuff” showed a lot of promise. Milwaukee was able to retain his rights for 2015 and beyond, and Wang had a lot of success in the Minors.

What makes Wei-Chung Wang so intriguing?

In 279 innings as a starter, Wang was 18-14 with 210 strikeouts and only 74 walks. Wang’s performance in the Minors was always promising, and every MLB team needs quality left-handed pitching. After his struggles in the Majors, it was nice to see him having success. However, in 2017 Milwaukee decided to go another route with him.

Through 2016, Wang was used exclusively as a starter in the Brewers Minor League system. However, he pitched out of the bullpen for the entirety of 2017. The results were everything you could hope for.

In 47 games Wang had a 2.05 ERA in 2017 while pitching at Triple-A Colorado Springs. He allowed only 13 earned runs while striking out 48 and walking 12 in 57 innings pitched. He definitely seemed to have found his niche in the Brewers organization. However, it seems he wants a change of scenery.

This year definitely could have been the year Wang broke through for the Milwaukee Brewers, especially with his success in the bullpen in 2017. Milwaukee is right on the cusp of being contenders in the National League and Wang could have been a big piece to the future.

Next: What does the future hold for the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen?

Boone Logan has the Milwaukee Brewers left-handed specialist role filled for now. However, much like Manny Parra years ago, Wang has always been a lefty with promise. I would have loved to see that promise fulfilled. Good luck in Korea, Mr. Wang, if it doesn’t work out there, the Brewers still have room for you.