Minnesota Twins sign Korean slugger Byung Ho Park to 4-year deal

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The Minnesota Twins are adding an international power hitter to their roster. The team signed Korean first baseman Byung Ho Park on Tuesday, offering him a four-year, $12 million contract. 

Twins general manager Terry Ryan said the team is hoping Park can provide some of the offense they lost with the retirement of Torii Hunter. The 29-year-old slugger belted 105 home runs over the last two years playing for the Korean Baseball Organization.

“This is a good thing for us right now.” Ryan said at a press conference Wednesday. “We’re looking for offense and he’s going to provide some of that.”

Ryan said Park will be the Twins' designated hitter next season. 

“This guy can swing the bat,” Ryan said. “He’s strong; he uses all parts of the park.”

On his previous visits to the United States, Park said he had always been excited to see Joe Mauer and is now honored to get the chance to play with him.

Park is the 18th Korean-born player to make it to the major leagues.