Criollos sign South Korean prospect Won-Bin Cho for 2026-27 season

By THE STAR STAFF

The Criollos of Caguas announced this week the signing of South Korean outfielder Won-Bin Cho -- a St. Louis Cardinals prospect -- as their second import player for the 2026-27 Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC by its initials in Spanish) season.

“Won-Bin Cho is a young, dynamic player who possesses all five tools. This year, he has demonstrated power, hit numerous extra-base hits, run the bases well, and stolen bases,” Criollos general manager Kelvin Colón said Tuesday in a written statement. “Furthermore, he can play all three outfield positions.”

Cho, 23, is coming off his best professional season, having posted a .271 batting average with 20 home runs, 23 doubles, 74 RBIs, 71 runs scored and 30 stolen bases across 110 games played at the High-A level (Peoria Chiefs) and Double-A level (Springfield Cardinals).

During that stretch, the left-handed outfielder posted a .392 on-base percentage and an .893 OPS. He was also named Midwest League Player of the Week for the period of May 26-31, during which he went 7-for-17 with six extra-base hits and a 1.445 OPS.

“He will be with us from day one, and I believe he is a player who can make an impact on both sides of the ball, offensively and defensively,” Colón stated. “He has excellent strike-zone discipline and has had a great year in the Minor Leagues. We are very happy to have him on board.”

Signed by the Cardinals as an international free agent in 2022, Cho has accumulated a .250 average, 37 home runs, 210 RBIs, and 107 stolen bases over five minor league seasons. He joins right-handed pitcher Tyler Myrick as the first two imports announced by Caguas for the upcoming season.

The Criollos will open the season on Nov. 4 at home against the Senadores of San Juan at 7 p.m. at Yldefonso Solá Morales Stadium.