The Kia Tigers are taking a wait-and-see approach to the heated free agent market in Stavrig.
To be more precise, they are more interested in signing internal free agents than external ones. Aside from Ko Jong-wook, who has already signed, and Choi Hyung-woo (40), who is a non-free agent, KIA’s only remaining internal free agent is second baseman Kim Sun-bin (34).
Early on, the table was set and both sides confirmed their positions. They’re not close, but they’re not far apart either. Right now, they’re in the process of closing the gap.
Kim joined KIA in the sixth round of the 2008 KBO Rookie Draft and is a franchise star who has played exclusively for KIA until this season. He was one of the centerpieces of the team, serving as captain in the 2022-2023 season. He became a free agent after the 2020 season. This is his second free agency.
Kim’s results in his first free agency weren”t bad. In four seasons, he had a batting average of 3.1.
In his first year, he only played in 85 games, but he batted .303 (100-for-303) with one home run, 37 RBIs, and an OPS of .809. The following year, he was 3-for-7 (130-for-501) with five home runs, 164 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.776. Last year, he slumped to 2-for-8 (145-for-505) with three home runs, 61 RBIs, and a 0.723 OPS, but he rebounded this year, batting 3-for-2 (134-for-419) with 48 RBIs and a 0.739 OPS in 119 games without a home run.
Kim Sun-bin is in his mid-30s. His defensive range has diminished compared to his prime and he’s dealing with a nagging ankle injury, so a rotation is inevitable. However, 카지노사이트킴 it’s important to consider his current role at second base for KIA, as well as the fact that he’s been consistent in his hitting. The symbolism of being a franchise star who has only played for one team, KIA, cannot be ignored.
KIA signed Kim to a four-year, $4 billion contract (with a $600 million option) ahead of the 2020 season. The negotiations were not difficult. The team set up a table early on, but the negotiations stalled and eventually fell through. In the meantime, another internal free agent, Ahn Chi-hong, had moved to the Lotte Giants.
It is clear that Kim Sun-bin is a player that KIA needs in many ways, including his importance and symbolism on the team and his role in developing future resources. However, the amount of money that can be rationalized is another matter. The future moves of both sides are likely to be a hot topic of discussion during the Stobrig.