What are the choices of the three men who were in charge of Lotte's back door? The FA is about to open, and now 'Time to head'
Nov 03, 2024
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A total of 30 players are eligible for the 2025 FA announced by KBO. There are 13 new FA qualifications, nine players who can acquire again, and eight players who maintain qualifications.
Among them, three Lotte players are included. Lotte's closing pitcher Kim Won-joong (132 saves), Koo Seung-min (121 holds), and Jin Hae-soo, who was used as a one-point relief after joining in a trade last winter.
Both Kim Won-joong and Koo Seung-min, the first FA, are Grade A, and Jin Hae-soo, the second after 2019 (1.4 billion won in total per year), is Grade B.
In particular, attention is drawn to Kim Won-joong and Koo Seung-min, who have been in charge of Lotte's back door for years, called the `Guwon Duo.' This year, Kim Won-joong received an annual salary of 500 million won and Koo Seung-min received 450 million won. In order to recruit them, one player other than 20 protected players must be compensated, 200% of this year's salary, or 300% of the annual salary.
Kim Won-joong did not reach last year (5-6, 30 saves, 2.97 ERA) when he was a career high, but he also achieved a good performance this year. With 3 wins, 6 losses and 25 saves and an ERA of 3.55, he tied for 4th place in the relief category (1st place KIA Jung Hae-young 31 saves) with Park Young-hyun (KT Wiz).
A save is a record that is directly related to a team's wins. It is no coincidence that the first to third place in the relief category is the closer of KIA, Samsung Lions (Oh Seung-hwan) and LG Twins (Yoo Young-chan), who were first to third place in the league. It is the result of their good defense of the back door, but they are pitchers who have been given many opportunities. Considering this, it can be said that Kim Won-joong and Hanwha Eagles Joo Hyun-sang (23 saves) performed relatively better.
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The key is that there is no clear candidate for Lotte's pitching staff to replace Kim Won-joong. In the absence of the closing, setup man Koo Seung-min, who is the alternative No. 1, will be eligible for FA together.
Choi Jun-yong, who was once in the spotlight as a next-generation closer, underwent elbow surgery and it is unclear whether he will perform in the next season. It is also difficult to leave the finishing touches to Kim Sang-soo and Han Hyun-hee, who were in charge of the hard work this year.
It is unclear whether young guns such as Lee Min-seok, who are recognized for their ball power, will adapt well with the finishing touch. Jeon Mir, who was also mentioned as a candidate for the Rookie of the Year award at the beginning of this season, failed to overcome the pressure that came along with the injury and took a break since mid-June.
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As it is the first FA, C grade does not come out regardless of age even if it is delayed by a year. This year's slump is worth looking for a year later, but considering the market situation and not a few years of age, now may be the right time.
Jinhae-do is a valuable left-hander for Lotte as well as Kim Won-joong and Koo Seung-min. Chung Hyun-soo and Song Jae-young showed good performances at the end of the season, but the value of an experienced veteran like Jin Hae-soo is clearly there.
However, the FA market does not know when or what variables will appear. There is always a team that wants to strengthen the bullpen. Last year, Samsung also made a rare appearance of recruiting two closer pitchers from other teams despite having a closer.
Kim Won-joong has confirmed several times that he will remain in Busan when asked about the FA. However, the value that Kim Won-joong and his agent think and the Lotte club's evaluation may be different.
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This FA qualification player must apply to KBO by the 4th to approve the exercise of FA rights. KBO will announce the FA-approved players on the 5th, and negotiations with all 10 clubs will begin on the 6th, the next day.
It is the so-called 'time of leadership'. What kind of moves will Lotte General Manager Park Joon-hyuk, who showed his presence through FA contracts with Jeon Joon-woo and trades with Jin Hae-soo and Son Ho-young immediately after taking office, show this winter.
lunarfly@sportschosun.com
