Seoul: Less than a week into free agency in South Korean baseball, some big dominoes fell early, with one veteran third baseman staying put and another switching clubs for the first time in his career. And a team desperate for postseason success made what their fans are hoping will end up being crucial acquisitions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the free agency in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) opened last Wednesday with 20 players up for grabs, and reliever Woo Kyu-min became the first player to be taken off the list by returning to the KT Wiz on a two-year deal. However, the most significant signing of the first day was by Choi Jeong, the league’s career home run leader, who inked a four-year deal worth 11 billion won (US$7.9 million) with the SSG Landers, securing his position with the only franchise he has known since his debut in 2005.
Choi Jeong’s signing likely ensures the 37-year-old will conclude his illustrious career with the SSG Landers, formerly known as the SK Wyverns. Choi, who bec
ame the KBO’s all-time home run king in April, ended the 2024 season with 495 home runs and holds the career record with 1,461 runs scored.
In another major move, third baseman Heo Kyoung-min departed the Doosan Bears after 13 seasons to join the KT Wiz on a four-year deal valued at up to 4 billion won. Heo’s decision came after declining an extension option with the Bears in favor of a more lucrative contract with the Wiz.
The KT Wiz, who lost two free agents to the Hanwha Eagles, strengthened their lineup with Heo’s signing. The Eagles secured shortstop Sim Woo-jun and starter Um Sang-back, aiming to enhance their postseason prospects. Sim’s defensive prowess and base-stealing ability earned him a four-year, 5 billion won contract, while Um’s strikeout potential secured him a deal worth up to 7.8 billion won over four years.
The Hanwha Eagles, with only one postseason appearance since 2007, are eager for October success as they prepare to move into a new stadium in 2025. Meanwhile, the Lotte Giants retai
ned their own free agents, signing closer Kim Won-jung and setup man Koo Seung-min to multi-year deals.
Kim Won-jung, already the franchise leader in saves, secured a four-year contract, while Koo, despite a challenging 2024 season, agreed to a two-year deal with options for two more seasons. Koo displayed improved performance in the latter half of the season with a 3.23 ERA and 35 strikeouts in his final innings.
Elsewhere, right-hander Jang Hyun-sik left the 2024 Korean Series champions Kia Tigers to join the 2023 winners, the LG Twins, on a four-year, 5.2 billion-won contract. Jang’s impressive strikeout record and reliable performance in the Korean Series make him a valuable addition to a Twins bullpen seeking improvement after a subpar 2024 season.
The KBO free agents are categorized into three classes based on their salaries over the past three seasons, with varying compensation rules for acquiring these players. The Hanwha Eagles have reached the maximum allowed signings from outside, having already
acquired two free agents.