Finland’s baseball promise Konsta Kurikka23, is already aiming for a contract with an MLB organization for the coming autumn.
– What we have gone through with the agent and the coach, yes, it is completely realistic. If everything goes as planned in the summer and I play as well as expected, Kurikka tells Urheilu.
The words sound harsh, because the American MLB series is the strongest baseball series in the world. Of course, the contract would not mean immediately jumping to the best league, but probably playing at the second highest league level in the minor league.
In any case, Kurikka’s supporters have planned for Kurikka to get an MLB contract this year or next year.
– I’d rather set my expectations higher than lower. We haven’t come here to apologize, but let’s push forward all the time and set our goals higher, says Kurikka.
In the summer to North America
Kurikka will be able to give screens in North America this summer. He is involved in the MLB Draft League developed by MLB, which consists of a two-part series. At first, there will be amateur players and college players, after which there will be a booking event.
However, Kurikka cannot get a reservation, because the reservation opportunity is only for US players. After this, the latter half includes professional players, i.e. players who have just graduated from college.
– I’m really excited. After all, it is a unique opportunity. The pace of the game is also fast, as there are games almost every day, while in Europe there are 2-3 games a week on weekends.
According to Kurika, MLB organizations and other professional leagues are looking for players from the league to join their ranks.
– All data, video and any information will go to all MLB organizations. They then select and scout players for their minor league teams.
A new controlled throw record
Kurikka camped in North America for six weeks in February-March Christian Lee in school preparing for the coming summer. For example, Kurikka, who suffered from a hand injury for ten months last year, was able to hone his throwing technique to good shape.
He threw with a controlled throw at his best 93 miles or 149.6 kilometers per hour. For example, back in November, Kurika’s controlled throw in Dubai was 90 miles per hour.
– Three miles in such a short time is a good addition.
Kurikka believes he will get an even better advantage from the mound when he gets his baseball shoes on.
– You will probably get a few more miles on it during the summer.
– I also learned a new pass, the splitter, which is a very good weapon. Those two things concretely went along on the trip.
After the trip to North America, Kurikka ended up in the German Bundesliga with the Guggenberger Legionäre team. The position was practically selected based on the fact that the team allowed Kurika to move to the MLB Draft League in the middle of the season.
– One option was Mexico, but that is perhaps still a little too different world. In Mexico, the door might open after the first week if it doesn’t work out. Maybe mentally better to take it easy and make a clear plan. Then to the United States and we’ll see where we go.
A historic goal
Kurika had previously planned to play in a new professional series called Baseball United in the Middle East and Asia next winter. He was already involved last November, when the series was shown to the public in a two-part match event.
During the trip, the baseball promise received a lot of good tips from former MLB superstars, among other things, regarding what life at the top of baseball requires. At the moment, however, a contract with MLB is in mind.
The long-term goal is for Kurikka to debut in the world’s toughest league in a few years. If the goal comes true, he will be the first Finnish player in MLB.
– Whether it comes in 2027 or 2028, it kind of doesn’t matter. Of course, I try to work hard all the time and improve.
– It’s a very good feeling to do now. I get to play, which of course is a big deal. I believe that during this summer I will take big steps forward.