Boston: One-time Lotte Giants starter Alec Gamboa has reportedly signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox after an up-and-down half season in South Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, league sources in the United States revealed that Gamboa agreed to a split contract with an invitation to spring training. Should Gamboa make it to the majors, he will earn $925,000, though his earnings will be lower while he is in the minors.

In 2025, Gamboa joined the Lotte Giants in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in May, stepping in for injured starter Charlie Barnes after his stint in Triple-A with the Los Angeles Dodgers system. Gamboa's KBO debut on May 27 ended in a loss, but he rebounded with five consecutive wins in June, posting a 1.72 ERA over 31 1/3 innings and earning the Player of the Month award.

Despite a strong start, Gamboa's performance declined in the latter half of the season, culminating in a 1-7 record and a 4.55 ERA over his final 12 starts. The Giants' postseason hopes also dwindled as the team faltered late in the season.

This offseason has seen a migration of former KBO pitchers back to Major League Baseball. Cody Ponce, who was the regular-season MVP and top starter for the Hanwha Eagles, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. His teammate, Ryan Weiss, joined the Houston Astros, while former SSG Landers ace Drew Anderson signed with the Detroit Tigers.

The Lotte Giants, in addition to losing Gamboa, have opted not to renew the contract of Vince Velasquez. The former MLB pitcher had a challenging season, going 1-4 with an 8.23 ERA in 11 starts after replacing Tucker Davidson midseason.