By Cho Mu-hyun
Lee Dae-ho announced his intentions of pursuing a foreign career, rejecting a reported 10 billion won, four-year contract with his former team the Lotte Giants Saturday.
The Giants’ alleged offer is the highest amount ever in Korean baseball.
But the 29-year-old began negotiations with Japan’s Orix Buffaloes Sunday.
“I want to express my gratitude again to the Giants and the fans, for their support until now. I want to thank my former team, for the consideration they have shown me during the free agent deal,” said the star player through his former club.
“I have decided to go overseas to fulfill my dream as a baseball player and seek new challenges. I will always keep the love my former team and fans have shown me close to heart while I am abroad.”
Lotte manager Bae Jae-hoo said, “Considering his importance to the team and the development of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), we offered him the highest pay deal ever.
“It is regrettable that he refused. However, we wish him the best of luck and hope that he will keep on the spirit of Korean baseball as its top batter overseas.”
Lee is now free to negotiate with the seven other KBO sides and foreign team.
The Orix are the strongest candidate to recruit Lee, as they have continuously stated they would approach the star slugger after the Lotte negotiations officially end. The Japanese outfit needs a strong right-hander batter, making Lee the optimal choice.
It is speculated that the Buffaloes are prepared to offer 7 billion won for two years.
A fierce discussion erupted on Lotte’s homepage between fans of the batter, who expressed differing attitudes following his decision. Some believe he should re-sign with the Giants for the further development of the KBO, while others argued that going to Japan is the best move for Lee’s career and will promote Korean baseball overseas.
The 29-year-old has worn the Giants uniform since his debut 11 years ago. His career record sees him with a .309 batting average, 809 RBIs and 225 homeruns. He achieved his first Triple Crown honor in 2006 for the best batting average and the most RBIs and home runs that year.
Lee was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2010 after finishing atop the batting charts in an unprecedented 7 categories. He also claimed his second Triple Crown and added another this season, registering a .357 batting average, 176 hits and .433 on base percentage.
Chong Tae-hyon, another player to declare his intentions to pursue a career abroad, left for the United States Friday. His agent for Major League Baseball (MLB) said that 9 teams have shown interest in recruiting the pitcher.
It is speculated that he will most likely play in the American League (AL). Baltimore, Cleveland and Detroit are likely to approach Chong.
If the hurler lands a deal with an MLB team, he will be the first to go directly from the KBO to MLB.