Seoul: Son Ah-seop, the all-time career hits leader in South Korean baseball, has been demoted to the minor leagues just two weeks following his trade to the Doosan Bears. This marks the first time Son has been sent to the minors since the trade. The decision was announced by the Doosan Bears on Wednesday when they assigned Son to their Futures League affiliate, a farm circuit for the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). As per league rules, a player sent to the minors must remain there for a minimum of ten days before rejoining the KBO club.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Son began the current season with the Hanwha Eagles but was relegated to their minor league team after participating in just one game as a pinch hitter on March 28. Subsequently, on April 14, the Eagles traded him to the Bears in exchange for a minor league pitcher and cash considerations.
Son made a notable impact in his debut for the Bears, hitting a home run on the day of the trade and securing another hit the following day. However, in the nine games since his debut, Son has struggled offensively, batting only 2-for-29 with two RBIs, seven strikeouts, and one walk.
Bears manager Kim Won-hyong explained the rationale behind Son's demotion, stating, "We felt Son Ah-seop should try to get his rhythm back by playing in minor league games." Kim noted that Son, being a veteran player, may have felt excessive pressure to meet expectations following the trade, which could have affected his performance.
As Son takes time in the Futures League, his position as the KBO's all-time hits leader with 2,622 hits is under threat. Lions designated hitter Choi Hyoung-woo, who started Wednesday's games with 2,614 hits, is poised to surpass Son. Choi, at 42, is the oldest position player in the KBO this year and is batting .308 with 28 hits, placing him tied for 15th overall.
Moreover, Kim Hyun-soo of the KT Wiz, with a total of 2,566 hits, also has the potential to overtake Son's record this season.