Incheon: SSG Landers pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun has secured his future with the team by signing a two-year contract extension, which will likely see him conclude his career with the only Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) franchise he has known for nearly two decades.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 36-year-old pitcher agreed to a new deal valued at 3.6 billion won (US$2.6 million), comprising a guaranteed salary of 3 billion won and an additional 600 million won in potential incentives. Kim is currently in the final year of a historic four-year deal worth 15.1 billion won, originally signed before the 2022 season following a two-year tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Kim’s journey with the KBO began in 2007 when he debuted as an 18-year-old with the SK Wyverns, now known as the SSG Landers following a change in ownership. He remained with the team until 2019, after which he joined the Cardinals, only to return to the KBO in 2022. Over his career, Kim has achieved significant milestones, including winning the KBO regular-season MVP award in 2008 and securing five Korean Series titles with the Wyverns/Landers franchise across multiple years.
A predominant figure in KBO history, Kim boasts a 174-104 career record with a 3.35 ERA over 2,249 innings, and has amassed 1,953 strikeouts. He ranks third in both wins and strikeouts, and fourth in innings pitched on the KBO’s all-time list. As of 2025, Kim holds a 4-6 record with a 3.91 ERA in 13 starts, alongside 71 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings.
The Landers have expressed their commitment to supporting Kim in achieving his goal of reaching 200 career wins in their uniform. The club acknowledged Kim’s contribution both on and off the field, praising his dedication and leadership.
Despite approaching the age of 38 by the end of his new contract, Kim has indicated a desire to continue pitching beyond this extension. He has set an ambitious target of reaching the 200-win milestone, drawing inspiration from former teammate Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals, who retired after achieving a similar goal.
In a press conference held at Incheon SSG Landers Field, Kim reiterated his loyalty to the franchise and his aspiration to attain the 200-win mark as a member of the Landers. He also expressed interest in contributing to the team’s success in their new dome, which is slated for completion in 2028, potentially leading to another contract renewal.