The Hanwha Eagles have made a strategic move to maintain their top spot in the KBO League by signing Luis Liberato as a temporary replacement for the injured Estevan Florial. On June 17, 2025, the team officially announced via their social media channels that Liberato had been signed on a six-week contract worth $50,000, roughly 68 million Korean won, to fill the void left by Florial's absence.
Florial, a key foreign player for the Eagles, suffered a right pinky finger avulsion fracture—specifically involving sesamoid bone formation—during an intense extra-inning game against the KIA Tigers on June 8. Despite his determination to continue playing through the pain, the team prioritized his recovery and placed him on the foreign player rehabilitation list, prompting the urgent need for a capable substitute.
Luis Liberato, a 29-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, is expected to step into this critical role. Standing 185 centimeters tall and weighing 79 kilograms, Liberato bats and throws left-handed, and is known for his speed and versatility in the outfield, particularly as a center fielder—the same position Florial occupies. Hanwha’s scouting reports praise Liberato as a "spray hitter" with a fast swing speed capable of producing strong contact, along with a wide defensive range that makes him a solid presence in center field.
Liberato brings a wealth of experience from his time in professional baseball across multiple leagues. He began his professional career in 2012 when he signed as an international amateur free agent with the Seattle Mariners. His journey includes extensive minor league play and a brief stint in Major League Baseball (MLB). In 2022, he was called up by the San Diego Padres and appeared in seven MLB games, though he struggled to make a significant impact, going hitless in five at-bats with three strikeouts.
However, Liberato's minor league track record is impressive. Over 11 seasons and 910 games, he posted a .254 batting average, hit 86 home runs, and maintained an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .746. Notably, in 2022, while playing for the Padres’ AAA affiliate, he demonstrated considerable power with a .261 batting average, 20 home runs, and a .895 OPS across 99 games.
This season, Liberato has been showcasing exceptional form in the Mexican League with the Diablos Rojos del Mexico. In 29 games, he has hit a scorching .373, accumulating 47 hits in 126 at-bats, along with eight home runs, 29 RBIs, three stolen bases, and an outstanding OPS of 1.138. While the Mexican League is known for being hitter-friendly, these numbers still highlight his offensive prowess and readiness to contribute at a high level.
Hanwha’s acquisition of Liberato was not a spontaneous decision. The player had previously attracted interest from KBO League teams, including a reported offer from another metropolitan club before the 2025 season, though that did not culminate in a contract. Now, with this six-week deal, Liberato will finally make his KBO debut wearing the Hanwha Eagles uniform.
Upon signing, Liberato expressed enthusiasm about joining a team currently leading the league. "I heard that Hanwha Eagles are leading the KBO League and are driving the excitement of the league this season," he said. "I want to give my best and contribute to the team's challenge for the championship." His arrival is anticipated to be a pivotal factor in the Eagles’ ongoing campaign.
Given the timing of Florial's injury and the competitive nature of the KBO League, Liberato's performance will be under close scrutiny. The Eagles currently hold the top position in the league standings as of June 17, 2025, and maintaining this lead is crucial. Florial's absence leaves a significant gap in both offense and defense, and Liberato's ability to adapt quickly could be decisive in the team's pursuit of the title.
The Hanwha Eagles have a reputation for strategic foreign player signings, and their swift action in securing Liberato reflects their commitment to sustaining momentum. The club highlighted his "fast swing speed" and "strong hitting ability" as key attributes, along with his "wide defensive range" as a center fielder, which aligns well with the team's style of play and immediate needs.
Luis Liberato is scheduled to arrive in Korea on June 19, 2025, two days after the announcement. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how quickly he acclimates to the KBO League's style and pace. His prior experience in high-level baseball environments, combined with his recent hot streak in Mexico, suggests he has the tools to make an impact.
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming games, the integration of Liberato into the lineup will be a storyline to watch. His ability to fill the shoes of Florial, who has been an important contributor, is critical to Hanwha’s hopes of maintaining their lead and pushing towards a championship.
In summary, Hanwha Eagles’ acquisition of Luis Liberato as a six-week replacement for the injured Estevan Florial is a calculated move to preserve their competitive edge in the KBO League. Liberato’s blend of speed, hitting ability, and defensive skills, backed by solid professional experience, positions him as a promising asset for the Eagles during this crucial period. His upcoming arrival marks a significant moment for the team as they continue to chase the title in a tightly contested season.
