Lee Bum-ho |
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
The second most sought-after free agent from the Korea Baseball Organization is off the market, as former Hanwha Eagle Lee Bum-ho has signed with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, Thursday.
"I agreed on a two-year contract with an option for a third year. The contract is worth up to 500 million yen (6.5 billion won) with the Softbank," Lee said.
"The signing bonus is 150 million yen with 100 million yen annual salary for first two years.
The Hawks control the option for the third year of the deal. If they decide to pick up the option, his annual salary will rise to 150 million yen.
Lee is the 12th Korean baseball player to cross the East Sea and the the fifth non-pitcher.
"Finding a good deal in Japan was difficult so I am very happy it is done. My annual salary is pretty big even though I don't have many incentives. I will do my best to ensure I stay in the starting lineup at third base," Lee said.
The Eagles offered Lee a four-year, four-billion-won contract but his first choice was to go to NPB unless he couldn't get a deal to his liking.
Lee had said that if he wasn't offered at least 300 million yen over two years, he would stay in Korea.
The Softbank Hawks were shopping for a new player at the hot corner because third baseman Hiroki Kokubo was moved to first base to lessen the impact on his chronic knee problems.
Lee will have to earn his starting job and will face competition from teammate Satoru Morimoto.
Lee will travel to Japan Friday morning for his welcoming ceremony.
yc@koreatimes.co.kr
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