Seoul: South Korean baseball All-Star Song Sung-mun has traveled to the United States, potentially signaling the finalization of a deal with a major league team. The Kiwoom Heroes, Song's current team in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), announced that their third baseman departed for America on Friday. While some reports indicated that Song might be close to signing with the San Diego Padres, the Heroes have not confirmed his specific destination.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Song was posted for Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs in November, allowing any of the 30 MLB teams to negotiate with him during a 30-day window. This period is set to close at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, which is 7 a.m. Monday in South Korea. Song's successful signing would make him the sixth player from the Heroes to join MLB ranks, following in the footsteps of notable players such as Kang Jung-ho and Kim Ha-seong.
Song Sung-mun, represented by ISE Baseball, the same agency responsible for Kim Ha-seong's move to the Padres, has shown significant growth in his career. Debuting in the KBO in 2015, Song had a breakout season in 2024, achieving a batting average of .340/.409/.518, along with 19 home runs and 104 RBIs. This year, he continued to excel, posting a .315/.387/.530 line with 26 home runs and 90 RBIs, earning him accolades such as the Golden Glove and KBO Fielding Award.
Primarily a third baseman, Song has demonstrated versatility by playing at second and first base, and even shortstop during his high school years. This adaptability may prove advantageous if he transitions to MLB. The financial aspects of his move are also notable, as KBO teams receive a release fee based on the player's MLB contract. The fee structure is tiered, providing 20 percent of the first $25 million, 17.5 percent for the next $25 million, and 15 percent for amounts exceeding $50 million.
Should Song fail to secure an MLB contract by the weekend deadline, he may have to wait until November 1, 2026, for another posting opportunity. In August, he signed a six-year extension with the Heroes valued at 12 billion won ($8.15 million). This contract will commence with the new season if Song remains with the Heroes, but it will be voided if he transitions to MLB.