The former top prospect spent the 2020 season with the Heroes, slashing .254/.317/.336 with just two homers and 31 RBI in 65 games. He spent each of the past two seasons in the Mexican League, most recently hitting a robust .348/.443/.677 with 24 homers, 74 RBI and eight swipes in 80 ballgames. He hasn't played in the big leagues since the 2019 season.

Jeff Passan of ESPN confirms that a contract is being finalized. According to Yoo, Russell still needs to take a pre-signing physical and receive his work permit before arriving in South Korea. Russell was non-tendered by the Cubs back in December after batting just .237/.308/.391 in 241 plate appearances in 2019. He's still only 26 years old and is a former top prospect, but interest was understandably lacking stateside after he served a 40-game domestic violence suspension last year. He'll now try to keep his career alive in the KBO. Russell will replace former major leaguer Taylor Motter on the Heroes' roster.

The former top prospect peaked with the Cubs in 2016, and has been worth 3.4 fWAR combined over the past three seasons. Given his pedigree and the fact he is still a solid defensive shortstop, Russell could catch on with a non-contending team, but he is a mono-league option at best in fantasy.

Russell hasn't played much in September as he's recovered from a concussion, and he actually doubled his monthly hit total in just this game alone. The 25-year-old started at shortstop with Nico Hoerner playing second. Next season, with a healthy Javier Baez around, one of Hoerner or Russell will likely be squeezed out of regular playing time.