The 32-year-old veteran is back with a major league organization following two seasons in the KBO where he went 26-8 and posted a 2.40 ERA with a 250/69 K/BB ratio across 285 1/3 innings. Prior to his stint in Korea, Plutko spent time with the Orioles in 2021, but most of his time in MLB came with Cleveland from 2016-2020. Plutko has a career 5.39 ERA, 1.38 WHIP in five major league seasons.

From 2016-21, Plutko had a 5.39 ERA in 37 starts and 51 relief appearances as a major leaguer, most of them coming with Cleveland, but he’s been excellent in Korea, having gone 26-8 with a 2.40 ERA the last two years. Merrill Kelly’s success coming back from Korea might help Plutko’s chances of landing a rotation spot somewhere.

Plutko could make up to $1.4 million this season in Korea. The 31-year-old righty emerged as one of the top starting pitchers in Korea last year, finishing his debut with a stellar 2.39 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 149/38 K/BB ratio across 162 innings (28 starts).

Plutko will get $500,000 and can earn $300,000 in incentives. The right-hander elected free agency after being designated for assignment and outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk by the Orioles. The 30-year-old has not found his footing in his 273 2/3 innings of MLB action with a 5.39 ERA, but will get a chance to revitalize his career internationally like many pitchers have.