This is what Kim Jae-hyun, the general manager of SSG Landers, said about Choi Jeong (37), a franchise star who is scheduled to be released as a free agent. The biggest challenge in the offseason for SSG is Choi Jeong’s future. In December 2018, Choi Jung signed a six-year contract to remain as a free agent for up to 10.6 billion won (3.2 billion won in down payment, 6.8 billion won in total annual salary, and 600 million won in option). As his contract expired this winter, he will exercise his third free agent right as an individual player, and as he represents the league, attention is focusing on what kind of conclusion he will make. 메이저놀이터
“Although it is difficult to give a definite answer, I met with the player’s agent (Brand New Sports) after the end of the season,” Kim Jae-hyun told the Dong-A Ilbo in a telephone interview on Tuesday. “We are exchanging opinions (on contracts).” Asked by reporters whether he would guarantee a four-year contract, Kim said, “I guarantee it. Choi Jeong is a player with symbolism (from Incheon One Club Man),” adding, “I can’t help but think about that.”
The requirement to re-acquire free agent in the KBO League is four years. For this reason, a typical free agent contract is based on a four-year contract. However, it is not common to guarantee a four-year contract for a player in his mid to late 30s. Slugger Choi Hyung-woo, who signed a free agent contract with the KIA Tigers in December 2020, also had a three-year contract (maximum of 4.7 billion won (3.97 million U.S. dollars). The fact that SSG plans to guarantee a four-year contract to Choi can be interpreted as meaning that it will not take into account the age of the player. The total amount, which is the core of the contract, has to be raised as well.
Choi Jung-eun signed her first free agent contract for up to 8.6 billion won (8.3 million U.S. dollars) for four years in November 2014. She was recognized for her value, surpassing the previous record of 7.5 billion won (currently 17 billion won) set by Lotte Giants catcher Kang Min-ho (current Samsung Lions). In the winter of 2018, Choi opened a new chapter in his career with the second “six-year long-term contract” in the history of free agents. Every contract has sparked controversy, and the third contract is expected to be no less than the same. Insiders and outsiders of the team are talking about triple-digit amounts (about 10 billion won or 11.8 million dollars). It is known that the terms of the contract have already been passed on to the player.
Choi Jung-eun is already a legend representing the KBO league. He hit his 468th career home run against the Sajik Lotte Giants on April 24, pushing out Doosan Bears coach Lee Seung-yeop, who is the “people’s batter” to rank No. 1 in the KBO league. Since then, he has continued to break records, and is on the verge of achieving his first 500 home runs in history by finishing the season with 495 home runs. His performance for the season is 0.291 (136 hits in 468 at-bats) with 37 home runs and 107 RBIs. His OPS, which combines the on-base percentage (0.384) and the slugging percentage (0.594), was 0.978, ranking third among Korean players after Kim Do-young (KIA, 1.067), and Koo Ja-wook (Samsung Lions, 1.044). He showed off his strong performance in ball and defense by taking responsibility for hot corner defense full-time.
For SSG, agreement on non-FA contracts is highly likely to be its top priority. When the FA market opens, unexpected variables could emerge. “We need to continue to meet (with players) and find a compromise,” said Kim Jae-hyun, its general manager.
