Lee Byung-gyu, seen here in a file photo, will not be offered a new contract by the Chunichi Dragons. / Korea Times File |
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
The Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball announced Monday they will not re-sign Lee Byung-kyu.
The move raises the anticipation that he could return to Korea next season.
Lee's contract, a three-year deal worth 450 million yen (5.7 billion won), expired at the end of this season.
In 2009, Lee hit .218, with three homers and eight RBIs in just 28 games. Over the course of his three-year stint with the Dragons, he hit .254 with 28 home runs and 119 RBIs.
Dragons' manager said they decided against extending his contract because he is seldom used and has lost some of his speed.
If Lee decides to return to the Korea Baseball Organization, he would become a free agent.
The 35-year-old make his debut in the KBO in 1997 with the LG Twins. He became a free agent after the 2006 season and turned down an offer from the Twins worth 440 million won over four years.
The Twins would have the right to negotiate with Lee first if he returns to the domestic league, and the Seoul-based team is reportedly interested.
yc@koreatimes.co.kr
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