Cubs fans may recognize the KBO's latest slugging sensation

The KBO League is home to a collection of former MLB players, including players like Jake Cave, Matt Davidson and perennial wild card Yasiel Puig. It is a place where veterans go when the league has passed them by, serving as a chance to rediscover their game in a new setting.

The KBO opened their season on March 22, and while the season is still young, Chicago Cubs fans won’t be surprised to discover the man on top of the home run leaderboard.

Patrick Wisdom has hit a home run in four straight games for the Kia Tigers, putting him in a share of the league lead. Through eight games, Wisdom has an OPS of 1.304, including an on-base percentage of .471 in that span.  

Patrick Wisdom is thriving in his new home in the KBO

Wisdom joined the Cubs at the beginning of the 2021 season, a year marked by the dismantling of the World Series winning core. Wisdom became an everyday player following the trade deadline, clubbing 28 home runs and placing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2021.

Across a five-year span for the Cubs, Wisdom provided a bright spot in an otherwise difficult stretch of Cubs history, blasting 84 homers with an OPS of .752.

The 2024 season saw Wisdom's role decrease, only appearing in 75 games for the club with a .171 batting average. He was designated for assignment in November and granted free agency shortly after. Wisdom would then sign a one-year deal with the Tigers in December.

Despite the end of his Cubs career, fans will be glad to see Wisdom has found his footing overseas and will be rooting for him to get a second look from MLB teams come the offseason. A return to the Majors can never be discounted for a player like Wisdom, as teams may turn to his power profile during a time of need. For now, his lore will likely soar in the KBO.