Watch Out NA: Ruby has reached verbal agreement with TSM to be their new mid laner

Multiple sources have confirmed that Team Heretics mid laner Lee “Ruby” Sol-min has reached a verbal agreement with TSM to be their new mid-laner in the coming Summer Split 2023. As per earlier reports, TSM is facing a huge rebuild of their roster in the off-season. Mid laner Huang “Maple” Yi-Tang and top laner Colin “Solo” Earnest have already departed from the organization, with the former to be replaced by “Ruby.”

Roster in Pieces

“Ruby” will be entering a TSM roster deep in the midst of a rebuild. After placing 7th in the LCS Spring Split season, TSM released 2 of their players, swapped one of their players on the starting lineup with one from the academy team, and has seen the departure of four members from their management side, all within the span of 4 months or so.

Troubled Season

Despite their earlier success during the 2023 Winter Split, finishing 6th in the regular season, they quickly struggled in the playoffs, losing to SK to place bottom 8th. Since returning with the same lineup for the Spring Split, Heretics now placed 9th in the regular season. “Ruby” himself had a rough 2023, currently posting a 33.3% winrate. Despite Heretics’ early success, “Ruby” has had a shaky split, currently going ahead in CS at 15 minutes only 50% of the time. His champion pool largely consisted of plenty of Azir. However, he only has a 22.2% winrate across the 9 games played.

This move to TSM will be crucial for both the organization and “Ruby.” TSM is seeking to rebuild a contending roster once more, and “Ruby” will get a chance to prove himself in a new arena. This move also marks the second move for “Ruby,” who began his pro career on Team BattleComics in Korea. He was a sub for Afreeca Freecs before moving to China briefly, was on BOOM Esports (based in Indonesia) for nearly a year, before finally moving to EMEA.

Currently TSM’s roster stands as follows:

• Lee “Bugi” Seong-yeop (Jungler)
• Jason “WildTurtle” Tran (AD Carry)
• Jonathan “Chime” Pomponio (Support)

Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games