Cho Sang-woo and Kim Hye-sung? Without an FA, the market is open. This winter's colossus is Kiwoom
Dec 26, 2024
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But this is not the end. I still have one shot left. It is Kim Hye-sung's turn, which is expected to have a greater impact than Jo Sang-woo. The best colossus this winter is by far Kiwoom.
Kiwoom entered a high-intensity rebuild. After finishing second in 2022, star Lee Jung-hoo left for the Major League. He is in last place for the second consecutive year. Kiwoom is buying the future by selling the present. In May, he sent Kim Hui-jip to NC and collected two rookie nominations in 2025 (first round, third round). On the 19th, closer Cho Sang-woo was handed over to KIA. Kiwoom received 1 billion won in cash and two rookie nominations in 2026 (first round, fourth round).
Earlier, more than 30 billion won was poured into the FA market. Hanwha recruited Um Sang-baek for 7.8 billion won and Shim Woo-joon for 5 billion won. LG set Jang Hyun-sik and Kim Kang-ryul at 5.2 billion won and 1.4 billion won, respectively. Samsung signed a contract with Choi Won-tae for 7 billion won. Samsung retained internal FA Ryu Ji-hyuk for 2.6 billion won. KIA also agreed to 1.5 billion won with internal FA Lim Ki-young.
However, Kiwoom and KIA, which included Cho Sang-woo, were more heavy in the trade. There is only 1 billion won in cash between the two days, but it is comparable to being the most impressive 'Big Deal' in the All Stove League.
The KBO League has traditionally been stingy with star trade. It is likely to return to the Boomerang as a single league. Trade itself is not common, but the burden of failure is high. In addition, it is difficult to release a star who has formed an attachment with fans because it is difficult to raise a player. Rather, even if you hear that it is overpay, it is common to spend a large amount of money as an FA.
Kiwoom has taken a thorough business approach. It is a very natural move from a major league-style perspective where trade is active. First of all, Kiwoom is not a club with a lot of finances. And it's not the power to try to win the championship in a year or two right away. Closer Jo Sang-woo will become an FA after next season. With a cool head, Kiwoom is unlikely to hold onto Cho Sang-woo by sticking to other clubs with financial power. In addition, KIA, which aims to defend the throne next year, actively responded. KIA also completed its all-time trade by giving the future coolly.
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Under the Korea-U.S. player contract agreement, 20% of the total amount must be paid to Kiwoom if it is less than $25 million. If you sign a four-year, $20 million contract, Kiwoom will earn $5 million. Major League Baseball clubs spend a total of $25 million.
If it exceeds $25 million, the ratio will be reduced. 17.5% applies to sections over $25 million and under $50 million. For example, if the total is $30 million, 20% ($5 million) will be applied up to $25 million and 17.5% ($875,000) will be applied only to $5 million in excess. So the posting cost is $5.875 million. Only 15% of the $50 million excess range applies.
Major League Trade Rumors (MTR) predicted Kim Hye-sung's ransom of $24 million (about 35 billion won) for three years. If this happens, about 7 billion won will be returned to Kiwoom. Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, and San Diego Padres are reportedly interested in Kim Hye-sung.
Even if Kim Hye-sung fails to sign a major league contract, there are measures. Like Cho Sang-woo, it can be used as a trade card. If it's Kim Hye-sung, it's not unreasonable to ask cash for the first round and the second round of nomination.
dhhan@sportschosun.com
