Infielder Will Craig is no longer a member of the Pirates organization.
The first baseman, known infamously for this play chasing Cubs’ Javier Baez back to home plate that was followed by a comedy of errors, has signed with the Korean-based Kiwoom Heroes.
“I feel like that play kind of defined me,” Craig told the Post-Gazette’s Jason Mackey on Tuesday. “I didn’t want that to be the case.
That’s another thing that went into my decision to go over there. I need to almost start over in a way.”
Last week, Pirates general manager said Craig, who was most recently with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, was looking at opportunities in Asia.
In 18 games with the Bucs this season, Craig batted .217 with 13 hits, two doubles, one home run and three RBI with an OPS of .577.
In Indy, Craig was batting .287 with eight home runs and 23 RBI.
Craig was Designated for Assignment back in early June, but cleared waivers and rejoined the Triple-A squad.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, Craig will make $425,000 playing for the Heroes this year.
Craig tells Mackey he has a feeling he’ll get heckled by his teammates in Korea, but will approach it with the same class he did after that infamous play.
“Don’t run away from it,” Craig said. “Kind of attack it head on and let them know, ‘I am a really good first baseman. Here’s my Gold Glove. I can show it to you if you want. You can touch it. It’s real.’
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