KBO to Produce More Than 100 9-Digit Salary Players
By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
The Economic turmoil appears to have skipped over the world of baseball, with the sport braced to produce more than 100 players who will receive nine-digit salaries.
As of Tuesday, five players had signed deals worth more than 100 million won ($76,000) and fewer than 10 among those engaged in negotiations are also expected to join the list.
In 2008, 94 players received salaries that broke the barrier.
Doosan Bears outfielder Kim Hyun-soo, who led the league in batting average, hits and on-base percentage (OBP), signed a 126 million won contract, while Choi Jung of the SK Wyverns has agreed to a 150 million won deal.
Kim, 21, earned 42 million won last season.
Hanwha Eagles and their southpaw ace Ryu Hyun-jin have reached an 240 million won agreement, which is the highest payroll for a three-year pro, Tuesday.
Wyverns hurler Song Eun-beom and outfielder Cho Dong-hwa have passed the 100 million won mark ― now regarded as the criterion in order to be considered a high-salary player.
Among the unsigned players, Wyverns lefty Kim Kwang-hyun is at the forefront.
The 21-year-old won 16 games and struck out 150, both of which are the best in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
Although how much of an increase he will recieve is yet to be decided, he is set to register on the honorable roster.
Hero pitcher Jang Won-sam and Lotte Giants second baseman Cho Sung-hwan are among the other candidates likely to command high salaries.
Bears third baseman Kim Dong-joo, who made 700 million won last season, remains unsigned due to his efforts to secure a move to the Japanese league.
The average salary of players in the KBO is more than 70 million won.