Seoul: The Kia Tigers announced the signing of starting pitcher James Naile for his third season in South Korea. Naile has agreed to a new one-year contract worth up to $2 million, marking a significant increase from his previous earnings.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the 32-year-old pitcher received a $200,000 signing bonus and is set to earn $1.6 million in salary, an increase from the $1.2 million he earned this past season. Additionally, Naile has the potential to earn another $200,000 through incentives. This agreement comes after a strong performance in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), where Naile finished with an 8-4 record and a 2.25 ERA, ranking second overall in the league.

Naile's contribution to the Tigers has been substantial since his debut in the KBO. In his first season in 2024, he achieved a league-leading 2.53 ERA and played a crucial role in the Tigers' Korean Series title win. Over his two seasons, he has maintained a top position in the league with a 2.38 ERA, with no other pitcher achieving a sub-3.00 ERA in the same period. Despite his consistent performance, the past season saw Naile receiving limited offensive support, averaging only 2.37 runs per game, resulting in eight wins for the Tigers, who concluded the season with a record of 65-75-4, missing the postseason.

KBO regulations allow teams to sign up to two foreign-born pitchers, along with an additional pitcher from an Asian country or Australia starting in 2026. By the end of the 2025 season, the Tigers had Naile and fellow American pitcher Adam Oller as their foreign player selections.