Asia Quarter, Including Australian Players, Extensions From 2026, Down From 12 To 11
Jan 22, 2025
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▲ Implementation of the Asian Quarter System
The Asian quarter system, which has been constantly discussed for strengthening KBO league competitiveness and smooth supply and demand of foreign players, targets all Asian nationals (based on countries belonging to the Asian Baseball Federation BFA) and Australian players. Recruitment of dual nationality players with nationality of non-Asian countries is not possible and is limited to one player who was a member of the Asian League immediately before or in the relevant year. The player's position is irrelevant. In addition, the maximum cost that can be spent on new recruitment is limited to up to $200,000 (up to $20,000 per month), including annual salary, down payment, special agreement (based on actual option payment) and transfer fee paid to the original team (tax excluded). When renewing the contract, the player's annual salary can be raised by $100,000 every year. The club can have a total of four players, including three existing foreign players, up to the Asian quarter system, and all of these players are allowed to play in one game. Replacement of players is possible only once a year, and with the introduction of this system, KBO league entries will also be increased from the current 28 registered / 26 registered / 27 registered. However, this system will be implemented from 2026 with time to prepare for implementation.
▲ Add multi-year FA contract players other than existing FA players to be excluded when calculating FA ratings
As non-FA multi-year contractors who cannot sign FA contracts during the contract period are included in the calculation of the FA rating system, it is decided to exclude non-FA multi-year contractors when calculating grades. However, the final year of the contract will be included in the grade calculation by applying the average annual salary during the contract period.
▲ Injury replacement foreign player system
In the absence of an extension of the contract with an alternative foreign player, the procedural problem was improved by requiring the termination of the contract to be disclosed as a free agent following the termination or termination of the contract rather than a waivers free contract. In addition, if the club offers to renew the contract with the player, the club's right to hold the player for the year was recognized, thereby strengthening the priority of the original team to negotiate with the player.
▲ a reduction in overtime innings
The overtime, which had been going on until the 12th inning of the regular season, was decided to be reduced to the 11th inning. As the pitch clock is officially implemented from the 2025 season, it was considered that the physical exhaustion of pitchers in particular could be increased. Of the 59 overtime games in the 2024 KBO League, 46 games ended until the 11th inning, accounting for about 78% of the total overtime games. The reduction of overtime innings is expected to ease the physical burden on the team and shorten the game time.
▲ Change the postseason system
If the suspension of the game, which started in the postseason due to rain, is inevitable, no games or rainfall calls will be applied, but only suspended rules will be applied. However, in the event of a suspended game, it was changed so that only one game per day could be played regardless of the suspended innings without proceeding prior to the pre-arranged game. The previously scheduled matches will be postponed to the next day.
In addition, in order to provide fair competition opportunities among teams that advance to the Korean Series, the Korean Series, which was held by the organization of home games of 2-2-3 (home of regular season winning teams, home of playoff winning teams, home of regular season winning teams), will be changed to 2-3-2 method.
▲ Added number of people entering the dugout
Reflecting the opinions of the field, the number of coach entries that can enter the dugout will be increased from nine to 10. However, additional personnel are limited to QC coaches or power analysis coaches.
▲ Implementation of the Futures League Championship Game
In order to raise interest in the Futures League, it was decided to establish a new Futures League championship game system. The No. 1 team in the southern league and the No. 1 team in the northern league will decide the final winner with a single game.
▲ New supervisory award
The KBO Memorial Award will be presented to managers who recorded multiplier units increasing 500 wins and 100 wins based on the regular season. In addition, the 「Coach of the Year」 will be newly established, which will be selected through voting by reporters belonging to the Korea Baseball Press Association.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
