Contract Negotiations Begin After Championship
Samsung Lions enter free agency negotiations with Korea Series MVP Koo Ja-wook and ace Won Tae-in following their KBO title.
Management must now secure the core roster after the Daegu-based club captured its first Korean Series championship in 12 years on Dec. 8, according to donga.com.
Koo Ja-wook Awaits Second Major Deal
Koo Ja-wook posted a .500 batting average during the five-game championship series. The 33-year-old outfielder collected 10 hits in 20 at-bats, including one home run and six RBIs.
“The club only let us focus on winning, and I trust the team,” Koo said after receiving the Korean Series Most Valuable Player award, donga.com reported. He captured his first batting title this season with a .371 mark in his 12th professional year.
Won Tae-in Seeks Warm Winter
Won Tae-in earned the victory in Game 5 by pitching five innings and allowing just one run. The 26-year-old right-hander enters his first free agency cycle as the top available starting pitcher.
“We helped the team win the championship, so the club should bring out a good contract,” Won said, according to donga.com. He holds a career 7.50 record with a 3.86 ERA over 213 appearances and 1,197 2/3 innings.
Veteran Leadership Urges Retention
Catcher Kang Min-ho publicly urged his teammates to stay in Daegu rather than chase larger offers elsewhere. The 41-year-old veteran won his first career title in his 23rd professional season.
“The championship bonus will also be generous, so don’t be greedy for money and stay to build the Samsung dynasty together,” Kang said, as reported by donga.com. Manager Park Jin-man echoed that sentiment regarding the team’s core.
Manager Outlines Roster Outlook
Manager Park Jin-man expressed confidence that the franchise will retain both star players before spring training. Injured pitchers Lee Ho-seong and Choi Ji-gong are expected to return to the bullpen.
“Both bleed blue, and the club’s owner will handle it properly,” Park said, according to donga.com. The skipper pointed to the returning roster depth as the foundation for a potential title defense.
Front Office Prepares Salary Cap Strategy
General manager Lee Jong-yeol stated that the front office intends to keep both players within the league’s spending limits. The KBO salary cap for next season is set at 15.11 billion KRW, representing a five percent increase.
“The club wants to keep both players and will propose an optimal contract within the salary cap,” Lee said, donga.com reported. Both players qualify for fifty percent salary cap exemptions due to their seven-year service tenure with Samsung.
Overseas Interest Remains Unresolved
Won Tae-in has retained an international agency to explore potential opportunities abroad.
“I have already hired an overseas agent,” Won said, according to donga.com.
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