Bottom-dweller's roster move confirms Padres signed free agent bust this offseason

The San Diego Padres were active this past offseason. The team traded away Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, secured the services of Chicago White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease, and made a handful of free agent signings.

One of those players the Friars brought in this past winter was Woo-Suk Go — one of the top relief pitchers in KBO last season. The Padres and Go agreed to a two-year, $4.5 million deal with a mutual option for 2026. However, it seemed as if the Padres knew immediately that they'd made a mistake and included Go in the trade package that brought Luis Arráez to San Diego earlier this season.

Well, Go is on the move once again. But this time, he'll have to find a new team on his own. After acquiring right-handed pitcher Shaun Anderson from the Texas Rangers, the Miami Marlins designated Go for assignment.

Marlins' roster move confirms Padres free agent signee Woo-Suk Go is a bust

Before the Padres' season began, Go was optioned to the minor leagues — and not Triple-A. No, the Padres, sensing some vast improvements were necessary before Go would ever step on a major league mound, sent the reliever to Double-A San Antonio.

Before he was traded to the Marlins, in 10 games out of the Missions' bullpen, Go posted a 4.38 ERA with 15 punchouts in 12.1 innings of work. After landing with his new organization, Go was assigned to Triple-A Jacksonville. The right-hander made seven appearances for the Marlins' affiliate before being cut loose and will now be on the lookout for his third franchise less than a month.

The Friars were hopeful when they signed Go to a two-year pact this winter that the 25-year-old would be a key piece of their bullpen in 2024 and beyond. During his seven seasons overseas, Go posted a 3.17 ERA and struck out almost 10 batters per nine innings pitched.

But as baseball fans know all too well, this is the big leagues. There's a big difference between the competition in KBO, and what those players will face once they step onto a Major League Baseball field.

Go will likely be given a third chance with another organization, but unless a team wants to be responsible for his current contract, it's likely he'll pass through waivers and seek to find a new ball club through free agency.

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