Doosan right-hander bullpen Hong Geon-hee.
The professional baseball free agent (FA) market is slowly coming to a close, but Doosan Bears right-handed bullpen Hong Geon-hee (32) has not yet finalized his contract. He was easily classified as a resource to remain in the team, but negotiations are taking place.
Hong Geon-hee is one of the 19 players approved as free agents on November 18 last year who have not yet signed a contract. As of the 22nd, there are only three free agents who have not signed a contract, including Hong Geon-hee, Kim Min-seong (LG), and Ju-won (KT).
Hong Geon-hee appeared in 64 games last season and recorded 1 win, 5 losses, 22 saves, 5 holds, and an ERA of 3.06. He served as the closing pitcher until mid-season, but in August he faltered and handed over the position to Jeong Cheol-won. He bounced back after putting down the burden of being a 'closer'.
Hong Geon-hee, who transferred from KIA Tigers during the 2020 season, set a career high in 2021 with 6 wins, 6 losses, 17 holds, 3 saves, and an average ERA of 2.78 in 65 games. He continued to play a key role in the team's bullpen in 2022 and 2023, recording 27 combined holds and saves each.
From Doosan's perspective, it seems like they want to catch Hong Geon-hee, who has become the core of the bullpen.
Doosan coach Lee Seung-yeop also hoped to hear 'good news' at the New Year's event for the club's 42nd anniversary on the 15th, saying, "I believe the club will do well."
The club is also conducting negotiations with a view to retaining Hong Kun-hee. However, she is in a position where she cannot rule out realistic conditions such as the salary cap, and although she is talking with Hong Geon-hee, she has not been able to reduce the gap in details such as her amount.
According to the 'Total amount of the top 40 highest paid players by club in 2023' announced by KBO on December 20 last year, Doosan's salary cap surplus is 244.63 million won, the smallest among the 10 clubs.
Doosan, which has already signed a 4+2 year contract worth up to 7.8 billion won with Yang Seok-hwan (32), does not have much room in the salary cap.
Doosan will begin spring camp in Sydney, Australia on the 29th. There is only about a week left until camp, and it appears that the plan for the new season will proceed without a hitch until the contract with Hong Geon-hee is finalized. For coach Lee Seung-yeop, Hong Geon-hee is a puzzle included in this season's plan.
He said, “Last year, Hong Geon-hee and Jeong Cheol-won were in charge of the closing pitcher, but we are still talking with pitching coach Cho Eung-cheon about the closing pitcher for the new season.” He added, “Rather than deciding on the position already, we will make a decision through spring training and exhibition games.”
Attention is focused on whether Hong Geon-hee will be able to successfully renew his contract with Doosan and board a plane with the club. 스포츠토토맨
