Can the KIA Tigers succeed in renewing their contract with ace James Nail (31), who led the unified championship?

Nail wore Kia's uniform in January. After failing to farm foreign pitchers during the 2022 season, Kia signed a contract worth 950,000 U.S. dollars (down payment of 200,000 dollars, annual salary of 350,000 dollars, option of 150,000 dollars, transfer fee of 250,000 dollars) with Nail, which boasts excellent ball control. Kia hoped that Nail would be a strong supporter of the starting lineup.

KIA's judgment was spot on. Nail made a brilliant contribution to his team's lone lead in the regular league, rising to the top spot as Kia's solid first starter. Nail had 11 wins, 5 losses and a 2.62 ERA in 25 games before the game against the NC Dinos on Aug. 24.스포츠토토

He made a soft landing on the KBO League stage, but a sudden bad news hit his nail. Nail immediately ran to the dugout after being hit in the face by Matt Davidson's ball in the game against NC D.C. The result of the examination was a fracture of the jaw joint. Nail got her jaw joint fixed and ended the season early.

Although he could not guarantee his return to the Korean Series, Nail showed his fighting spirit. Nail, who showed his affection for KIA during the recovery process, appeared in front of fans on Sept. 6. At that time, he appeared as a surprise first pitchman in the match against Kiwoom Heroes.

Nail's hard work paid off. She started the game against the Samsung Lions in Game 1 of the Korean Series on Oct. 21. She hit a solo home run off Kim Heon-gon in the top of the sixth inning, but pitched well, allowing four hits, six strikeouts, and one run in five innings. In Game 4 on Oct. 26, she allowed six hits, seven strikeouts, and two runs in five ⅔ innings, contributing to a landslide 9-2 victory. KIA beat Samsung with four wins and one loss to achieve its 12th overall championship.

The sweeper was the signature pitchman. He elevated himself to one of the top foreign pitchers in the KBO League by banking on his sharp trajectory. Nail, who ranked first in ERA (2.53), received the 2024 KBO League ERA award.

Now, Kia's task is to keep her nails done. Nails played in 26 games in the 2024 season with 12 wins, 5 losses and an ERA of 2.53, and were under the radar of U.S. Major League teams. However, Kia needs nail polish to challenge for the next season. Attention is focusing on whether nails, which have been loved by Kia's fans for their outstanding skills and personality, will continue to take the mound in the 2025 season.