Cardinals trade local product Naile to Korean League's KIA Tigers

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded Charleston native James Naile to the KIA Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) in a move that benefits both parties.

The Cardinals received $250,000 in cash considerations for the 30-year-old pitcher, while Naile secured the strongest contract of his career to date.

Naile, a 2011 graduate of Charleston High School and a former Standard Democrat Player of the Year, etched his name in local baseball history by leading the Blue Jays to a program-defining state quarterfinal victory and their only Final Four appearance.

After being drafted by the Oakland A's in 2015, he climbed through their system, earning an Opening Day start and Pacific Coast League All-Star selection at Triple-A Nashville in 2018.

Despite strong minor league numbers, Naile's future with the Cardinals was uncertain. With a 7.40 ERA in limited Major League appearances, he wasn't guaranteed a roster spot next season. Even if he did make the roster, significant time in Triple-A Memphis seemed likely.

The KBO offer presented a more lucrative and potentially career-redefining opportunity.

Naile, who transitioned to a relief pitcher in 2020, could find renewed life as a starter in Korea. KBO teams, limited to two foreign pitchers, often utilize them in rotations. This gives Naile a chance to showcase his impressive minor league resume, including a 3.66 ERA, a 26% strikeout rate, and a dominant 53.2% groundball rate – particularly impressive figures he put up in Triple-A last season.

For the Cardinals, the $250,000 deal provides financial benefits and roster flexibility. It likely exceeds what they would have gained by placing Naile on waivers, and his departure opens up a 40-man roster spot for a younger prospect.

This move was made with Naile's full consent. He will lock in a $550K guarantee with the KIA Tigers, consisting of a $200K signing bonus and a $350K salary, with an additional $150K available in incentives.

Should Naile excel as a starter in Korea, he could re-enter the Major League radar in a year or two. For now, this move represents a mutually beneficial opportunity, allowing Naile to chase a promising future across the Pacific while the Cardinals receive both financial gain and roster space.

Naile posted the following statement on Facebook, “2024 is off to a great start. I signed on this week with the Kia Tigers of the KBO. I am so excited for this opportunity. Obviously it will be tough to not play for the St. Louis Cardinals anymore, but I am so thankful I got to live out a dream and wear the birds on the bat for a couple of seasons. I was fortunate to play with so many great teammates that I admire, as well as so many great coaches and front office staff, who made my time with STL so special. Few get to play for the team they grew up rooting for, and I will cherish the years spent playing with them. Now, I’m going to Gwangju, South Korea, in hopes of starting a new chapter of my career. I am thrilled for this new challenge as well as getting to see the world. I head to Australia in a few days and can’t wait to compete for the Kia Tigers. One thing is for certain… if you play well good things will happen.”