KIA ML's 88-home run batter is about to be recruited, and the winter of the 4th FA trainee becomes colder
Dec 17, 2024
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Wizdom's trip to Korea first came from the U.S. two days ago. U.S. sports media 'CBS Sports' reported on the 15th (Korea Standard Time) 'Wizdom signed a contract with KIA, a KBO League club'
KIA quickly admitted to recruiting Wisdom. Only the official contract announcement is yet to be made. With medical tests remaining, KIA is working diligently to tie the knot quickly as the contract is revealed.
Wisdom is planning to heat up the KIA's batting line, where Kim Do-young (21), Na Sung-bum (35) and Choi Hyung-woo (41) are holding out. Wisdom made his major league debut with the st. Louis Cardinals in 2018. He was a promising player in the first round of the 2012 draft, but it took him a while to see the light. Wisdom, who moved to the Chicago Cubs in 2020 after playing for the Texas Rangers, has been in its prime since 2021. With 28 home runs in 2021, 25 home runs in 2022, and 23 home runs in 2023, he has achieved 20 home runs in the big leagues for three consecutive years. This year, he turned to Korea with a batting average of 0.171 (27 hits in 158 times at bat), eight home runs, 23 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.629, but the title of 88 home run hitter in the Major League is enough to give pressure to the KBO League.
As KIA recruited Wisdom, it is natural that the existing foreign batter Socrates Brito (32) shed tears, but some players have suffered unexpected damage. Veteran infielder Seo Geon-chang (35), who came to the FA market this winter after four moves, is in even more trouble.
It is no exaggeration to say that Seo Geon-chang's last four years have moved for the FA. After the 2021 season, he became the first FA qualification, but he chose to re-enter the team due to poor performance, and after delaying two more times, he finally exercised his rights this year. Seo Geon-chang's FA accreditation training is 11 years, the longest among this FA.
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However, unlike Seo Geon-chang's wind, the market and KIA are moving. Seo Geon-chang is a FAC-grade and has a small burden of compensation, but he is disappointed to hit as a first baseman, and he is disappointed to defend as a second baseman, but he is in his late 30s, which makes him less attractive. It was widely believed that KIA's remaining was rather realistic.
KIA is continuing negotiations by constantly talking with Seo Geon-chang. A total of three negotiation tables have been set up, and according to KIA officials, there is still a wide gap between the club and the players. It is expected that it will be difficult to conclude the negotiations soon.
When KIA recruits Wisdom, Seo Geon-chang's position becomes even narrower. Assuming that KIA sets the infield as the best, the picture will be drawn as third baseman Kim Do-young, shortstop Park Chan-ho, second baseman Kim Sun-bin and first baseman Wisdom. For KIA, Seo Geon-chang was disappointed in many ways as the lineup was set up, which does not have to be too much.
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rina1130@sportschosun.com
