Seoul: The South Korea baseball league has announced a series of significant changes, including offering extra cash bonuses for the national team at this year's World Baseball Classic (WBC) and raising the minimum player salary for the first time in five years.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) unveiled these updates following its first executive committee meeting on January 20 and its subsequent board of directors meeting. The national team is set to receive a bonus of 400 million won (approximately US$280,250) for reaching the quarterfinals of the WBC, a first for the organization. This move aims to motivate the team, which has not advanced beyond the preliminary round in the last three WBC tournaments: 2013, 2017, and 2023.
The KBO has also increased the bonus amounts for other WBC achievements. A semifinal appearance will now yield 600 million won, which is double the previous amount. If South Korea finishes in second place, the team will earn 800 million won, up from the previous 700 million won. Winning the championship will result in a 1.2 billion won reward, an increase from 1 billion won.
In terms of player salaries, the minimum salary will rise from 30 million won to 33 million won starting in 2027. This marks the first raise since it increased from 27 million won to 30 million won in 2021.
Additionally, an on-field rule change has been implemented concerning the practice of running through second base on a force play. The KBO has determined that this tactic violates the essence of baserunning. Starting in the new season, umpires will have the authority to call out runners who overrun the bag for abandoning second base, even if they beat the throw.
The KBO will also furnish first and second base umpires with wireless devices to expedite video reviews and enhance communication regarding rulings.
A further adjustment involves discouraging a mass exodus of young prospects. The KBO has extended the current rule, which requires high school players who sign overseas to wait two years before signing with a KBO club, to middle school players as well. This change aims to prevent younger athletes from pursuing high school and professional opportunities abroad without the mandatory waiting period upon their return.