For former MLB players that managed to resurrect their careers overseas, many of them often returned to North America for a second go-around on a newfound major league deal as a result of their success. For instance, Cody Ponce, who was the 2025 KBO MVP in Korea, signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason in his official return to MLB.
However, a strong performance doesn’t always guarantee a solid MLB contract as former Philadelphia Phillies reliever Yunior Marte recently found out. Marte, who will turn 31 before Opening Day, was only able to secure a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds in his return to North America, as per Francys Romero.