Will pro baseball players from Taiwan, China and Australia be able to see the Japanese independent league on the Korean stage? The Korean pro baseball league is set to introduce its fourth foreign player.
The Asian quarter is a breakthrough to overcome the shrinking pool of players. The Asian quarter has already been introduced to major professional leagues such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
There is already consensus on the introduction of baseball as well. This year, the KBO board and the executive committee have held in-depth discussions on the premise that the Asian quarter will be introduced in 2026.
Some clubs have insisted on introducing it in 2025, a year earlier than scheduled, but it is unlikely to be accepted. Most of the 10 clubs’ plans and budgets for next year, from the FA market to foreign players, who have already passed a storm, are in the final stages.
In order to add foreigners in the Asian quarter, the KBO foreign player-related regulations must be revised first. From the financial power to the difference in information on Asian baseball, the discussion on the introduction seems to be prolonged as each team has different interests.
Two key points of controversy are money and position. Many predict that all 10 teams will add starting pitchers, increasing the number of foreign pitchers to three.
There is a big difference between two and three foreigners. Already, some foreigners play rotation three to four days in a team crisis. There is a possibility that only foreign starters will take the mound one after another in the postseason. Even the third starting pitcher position, which is the last line of the “native ace,” will be shaken. As a result, some foreign players are considering supplementary measures, such as limiting their positions by tying them to the current foreign player regulation (a total of three, maximum of two pitching and hitting).
Currently, the Asian quarter is worth up to 300,000 U.S. dollars. However, some criticize that the amount is too high, citing the example of Shirakawa Kisho who played for SSG Landers and Doosan Bears. Just as many players fill 1 million dollars in the first year, which is the cap for foreign players, it can encourage unnecessary overpay.
When Shirakawa joined SSG, he was paid 1.8 million yen (about 16 million won) and 4 million yen (about 34 million won) at Doosan. He is not satisfied with his performance of starting 12 games, four wins and five losses with an earned run average of 5.65 in 57 ⅓ innings. However, in terms of ball power and physical strength, both teams nailed Shirakawa as a starter instead of a bullpen, and at least displayed a respectable presence.
However, the amount being discussed is 10 times the annual salary of Shirakawa when he was working at Doosan Bears. Analysts say that even if the ceiling is lowered to around 200,000 U.S. dollars, he will be able to bring in a good enough player.
Some say that the contract amount should be lowered to limit the position. Even if a pitcher is brought in, the batter will be able to focus on finishing or bullpen session rather than starting, and recruit defensive players. Among Asian foreigners, Wang Weijung (former NC Dinos) signed a contract worth 900,000 U.S. dollars, while Ken Kadokura (former Samsung) paid 300,000 dollars and Shingo Takatsu (former Woori Heroes) paid 180,000 dollars.
Analysts also say that the Asian quarter could help cool down the hot air in the FA market, which has become as hot as a melting pot. Choi Jeong (four-year, 11 billion won) is the top free agent this year. Among the players who moved to the Asian quarter, Eom Sang-baek (7.8 billion won or 7.8 million dollars) from the Hanwha Eagles was the highest paid. Other than the two players, Lotte Giants Kim Won-joong (5.4 billion won or 7.8 million dollars), LG Twins Jang Hyun-sik (5.2 billion won or 5.5 billion won or 4.31 million dollars) and Hanwha Eagles Shim Woo-joon (five billion won or 4.31 million dollars) have topped 5 billion won. Chances are high that Choi Won-tae, who is still out of contract, will also be on the list. On the other hand, the annual salary for the Asian quarter is only 300 million won to 400 million won. 메이저놀이터
On the one hand, some are concerned about the possibility that the KBO League will preemptively implement the Asian quarter system, which has not yet been implemented in any league, and introduce it to other leagues, especially the Japanese Professional Baseball (NPB).
Players who had previously played in Japan, including Lee Seung-yeop and Lee Jong-beom, had to compete for a spot with players from the U.S. or Latin America, but the introduction of the Asian quarter will make it easier for them to advance to Japan. Conversely, if introduced to the Taiwan Baseball League (CPBL), it could serve as a springboard for a comeback that is effectively limited to the Korean independent league.
A KBO official said, “No decision has been made on the Asian quarter yet. We haven’t even decided whether to introduce it or not. We are discussing the method and timing.”
