Jang Hyunsik, 5.2 billion won.. Choi Wontae's 7 billion won.. KIA, Cho Sang-woo 1 billion clicks → Declares the re-creation of the dynasty!

Dec 19, 2024

Sportschosun DB

Trade 'Click.'

KIA Tigers, who had been quietly watching the buzzy FA market, set out to clean up traffic by hitting a shot in the 'nuclear bomb class' trade. The KBO League's 'Thrones' expressed its strong will that KIA will protect it next year.

KIA made a trade with the Kiwoom Heroes on the 19th to acquire pitcher Cho Sang-woo (30) by giving 1 billion won in cash and the first and fourth rounds of rookies in 2026' is officially announced.

An official from KIA said "We pushed for this trade by agreeing with the field about the need to strengthen the bullpen. Cho Sang-woo's main weapon is a fastball in the 150km range and a sharp slider. He is a proven pitcher who combines various pitching types such as splitter, change-up, and curve. As he has played a must-win role in the KBO League and international competitions so far, he said, "I expect it to be of great help to the team in the future."

It's a big deal.

KIA was quiet while tens of billions of won was poured into the stove league this winter. Samsung, ranked second, poured 10.2 billion won into starting pitcher Choi Won-tae for a total of 7 billion won for four years. LG, ranked third, guaranteed Kia's must-win group Jang Hyun-sik a full four-year guarantee of 5.2 billion won and took him to the FA. KIA seemed to be just watching Samsung and LG's aggressive reinforcement, only having a power leak.

However, Kia has put all concerns to rest with this trade. It seems to have sent a message to Samsung and LG, which have been enthusiastic in the FA market, saying, `No way.'

Sportschosun DB

Cho Sang-woo is a national team-class finisher. Right-hander fastball pitcher Cho Sang-woo joined the Heroes as the No. 1 overall pick in the first round in 2013 after graduating from Daejeon High School. From 2022 to 2023, he resolved his military service as a social service worker and returned this season. In his nine professional seasons, he played in 343 games, recording 33 wins, 25 losses, 54 holds, 88 saves, and a 3.11 ERA.

KIA had its eyes on the trade card early on, not the FA market. KIA actively approached Kiwoom and the transfer was made. On the 13th, when the Golden Glove Awards were held, KIA general manager Shim Jae-hak called Kiwoom general manager Ko Hyung-wook to meet him first.

KIA lost Jang Hyun-sik, but the bullpen became stronger by transfusing Cho Sang-woo. Pil Seung-jo, who leads Cho Sang-woo and Jung Hae-young, Jeon Sang-hyun, Kwak Do-gyu, is expected to reign as an iron fortress after the 7th inning.

dhhan@sportschosun.com