Daejeon: The Hanwha Eagles made a significant move in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) free agent market by signing Kang Baek-ho, a highly sought-after slugger, to a four-year contract. The agreement, valued at up to 10 billion won (US$6.8 million), includes a 5 billion won signing bonus, a total salary of 3 billion won over the contract's duration, and an additional 2 billion won in potential incentives.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang Baek-ho, 26, has spent his entire eight-year KBO career with the KT Wiz, who selected him as the first overall pick in the 2017 draft. His remarkable entry into the league was marked by winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2018, when he hit 29 home runs and tallied 84 RBIs. Despite facing challenges with injuries and a dip in performance in recent years, Kang remains a promising talent due to his versatility in defense and his young age.

The Hanwha Eagles, fresh off a runner-up finish in the Korean Series, were eager to bolster their lineup, and Kang was considered the top free agent available. The team made room for Kang by releasing costly veterans, including infielder An Chi-hong and pitcher Lee Tae-yang. Kang canceled his plans for a showcase aimed at Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts in the U.S. to join the Eagles, underscoring the team's strong interest in acquiring him.

Kang expressed gratitude to the Eagles for recognizing his value and is determined to contribute to the team's success alongside right-handed power hitter Roh Si-hwan. In his statement, Kang acknowledged the Eagles' passionate fanbase and the mix of veteran and young players as motivating factors for his decision. He aims to repay the team's confidence by performing at his best.

The Eagles' general manager, Son Hyuk, revealed that discussions with Kang began shortly before the contract was finalized. He emphasized the strategic importance of acquiring a left-handed power hitter like Kang to enhance the team's offensive lineup. Son also noted that the decision on Kang's defensive position will be left to the team's manager, Kim Kyung-moon.

In a related move, the KT Wiz signed free agent catcher Han Seung-taek to a four-year contract worth 1 billion won. The Wiz valued Han's defensive skills and ability to throw out runners, despite his limited playing time in recent seasons.