KIA, FA infielder Seo Kun-chang signed a contract of up to 500 million won for 1+1 year...I'm glad I can play my hometown team once again
Jan 09, 2025
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KIA signed an FA contract with Seo Geon-chang on the 9th for a total of 500 million won, including a down payment of 100 million won, an annual salary of 240 million won and an option of 160 million won. The 2026 contract will automatically extend upon meeting the 2025 option,' the release said.
Seo made his professional debut in 2008 and played in 1,350 games in 14 seasons, recording 1428 hits, 517 RBIs, 853 runs, 232 steals, and a batting average of 0.298.
Seo Geon-chang, who joined KIA last season, played in 94 games and recorded 63 hits, 40 runs, 26 RBIs, and a batting average of 0.310. Based on his regular season performance, he was included in the Korean Series entry and contributed to the team's unified championship.
KIA and Seo Geon-chang were in pain during the negotiation process. The difference in the amount between the club and the player was large. Seo Geon-chang had high expectations for the contract period and amount as he applied for the first FA right after four moves, but the club was unable to give Seo a large amount of money at a time when it was difficult to guarantee his starting position. Instead, there was no disagreement between the club and the players that Seo Geon-chang contributed to the unified championship last season.
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Seo Geon-chang's joining of Wisdom made it difficult to expand his position as a first baseman, and the second baseman is not enough to push out the main Kim Sun-bin. In addition, Seo Geon-chang cannot overcome Choi Hyung-woo's bat as a designated hitter. Still, KIA continued to negotiate with Seo Geon-chang because there is no law not to prevent injured players from occurring during one season.
Seo Geon-chang said, `I'm happy to play for my hometown team once again. I also feel a sense of responsibility as an old player. I think this is what the club needs me to do, and I will try to work with young players to lift the trophy in Gwangju this season as well."
An official from KIA said, "He was registered in the Korean Series entry last season and contributed to the overall championship, and signed an FA contract by expressing his intention to use it widely this season."Based on his abundant experience, I expect him to lead young players well during the contract period."
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
