The South Korean baseball club Kia Tigers said Sunday they've signed new American pitcher Pat Dean for the upcoming season.

The Korea Baseball Organization club inked the left-hander to a one-year contract worth $900,000. The 27-year-old replaces Zeke Spruill, who went 10-13 with a 5.27 ERA in his first season with the Tigers.

Dean, a former third round draft pick by the Minnesota Twins, made all of his 19 major league appearances in 2016 with the same club. He was 1-6 with a 6.28 ERA.

Dean has spent seven seasons in the minors, with a 51-57 record and a 4.12 ERA in 154 appearances.

The Tigers said Dean mixes his fastball -- which sits around 145 kph (90 mph) -- with sliders, changeups and curves. They said they liked Dean's command of his breaking balls and his consistency.

The KBO clubs are each allowed to carry a maximum three foreign players, and at least one must be a position player. The Tigers have decided to part ways with Spruill and infielder Brett Pill, and are trying to bring back starter Hector Noesi for another season. (Yonhap)