SAN DIEGO (AP) — Left-hander Kyle Hart is staying with the San Diego Padres, agreeing Monday to a one-year contract that includes a club option for 2027.

Hart, who turns 33 on Sunday, went 3-3 with a 5.86 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in six starts ad 14 relief appearances for the Padres this year. He began the season as the Padres’ No. 5 starter, spent time in the minors and returned to San Diego as an effective reliever down the stretch of the club’s 90-win season.

San Diego had declined a $5 million option with a $500,000 buyout for next season on Hart, who was selected the top pitcher in South Korea while pitching for NC Dinos in 2024.

A former 19th-round pick in the amateur draft had spent eight seasons mostly in the U.S. minor leagues, making his only previous major league appearances in 20

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