Seoul:Two standout players from the Samsung Lions, who played pivotal roles in the team's Korean Series title victory, have been named as potential free agents in South Korean baseball. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced on Friday that 28 players are eligible for free agency this offseason.
According to Yonhap News Agency, 15 players are eligible for free agency for the first time, with six players returning to the market for their second or third time. Additionally, seven players who opted not to exercise their free agency rights last year will have the opportunity to do so this winter. Among these players, Samsung Lions' veteran starter Won Tae-in and captain Koo Ja-wook are the most prominent names.
Koo Ja-wook, who is 33 years old, was awarded the Korean Series MVP after achieving a .500 batting average, including a home run and six RBIs, in the Lions' five-game victory over the KT Wiz. He has reportedly engaged U.S.-based agent Jaron Long to explore major league opportunities. However, the Lions are anticipated to attempt to retain their franchise star for additional seasons.
Won Tae-in, 26, was instrumental in the Lions' championship win, delivering a strong performance in the final game. Despite his postseason success, Won had a challenging regular season with a 7-9 record and a 4.52 ERA over 26 appearances. His potential free agency is generating interest due to a scarcity of starting pitching options.
The KT Wiz and the SSG Landers have the highest number of players eligible for free agency, with six each. The Doosan Bears have three eligible players, including sidearm pitcher Park Chi-guk, who has attracted attention from major league teams, and veteran catcher Yang Eui-ji, who is entering free agency for the third time at age 39.
The KBO has set a deadline for eligible players to exercise their free agency rights by Sunday. The final list of free agents will be released on Monday, and negotiations can commence on Tuesday. Free agents are categorized into three classes based on their salaries, with varying compensation rules for teams acquiring these players.