“Seon Bin is on the phone. If Hyung-woo comes in…”
Kia Tigers manager Kim Jong-kook secretly revealed his true feelings. Veterans whose contracts expired and became free agents or needed new contracts. He mentioned the need for Kim Sun-bin (34) and Choi Hyung-woo (40) in “short and bold” terms. It’s the front office’s job to sign them anyway, and it’s “field manager” Kim Jong-kook’s job to throw caution to the wind.
In the 2023-2024 free agency market, KIA retained outfielder/designated hitter Ko Jong-wook, 34, for two years and up to 500 million won, but will need to lock up big internal free agent Kim Sun-bin, who is not a free agent, and multi-year signee Choi Hyung-woo as his existing three-year, 4.7 billion won contract ends.
General manager Shim Jae-hak said that Kim Sun-bin is basically the most important. This is because free agents can be stolen by other teams. This doesn’t mean that Choi Hyung-woo is neglected, but it’s just the order of things. General manager Shim Jae-hak is trying to negotiate with the two veterans as best he can.
According to the industry, Kia has made light contact with outside free agent Max Er, Yang Seok-hwan. However, they don’t seem to be in a position to actively pursue outside free agents. If that’s the case, it makes sense that they would go all out for Kim Sun-bin, and that’s exactly what they’re doing.
It’s still early in the free agent market. There is still time to talk and negotiate. Coach Kim Jong-kook returned home through Incheon International Airport on the 28th after finishing training in Okinawa and said, “I spoke with Sun-bin. It’s necessary.”
Choi Hyung-woo mentioned it while answering the question of whether the injured players would participate in spring training. Except for Kim Do-young, the rest of the team has no major problems. Coach Kim Jong-kook said, “If Hyung-woo comes in…” While he didn’t say much more, it’s clear that Kim is looking forward to reuniting with the two veterans.
Realistically, it’s hard to imagine a batting lineup without the “74-year-old veteran duo” Choi Hyung-woo and Kim Sun-bin. Choi is less of a defender, and Kim is a little less of a fielder, but both are among the best in the league at their positions. Choi is a living legend in the KBO, and Kim is the quintessential shift-hitter with the ability to hit for power. 아톰카지노
Manager Kim Jong-kook said, “The contract is his to sign, and he will decide after careful consideration.” Even as a manager, it’s hard to say anything in depth. Even for Kim Jong-kook, who will be entering the final season of his contract in 2024, having the two veterans on the field and in the dugout will create an environment in which he can throw a good game.