Posted for MLB teams, infielder Song Sung-mun hoping for 'happiest day of my career'
Kiwoom Heroes third baseman Song Sung-mun gives a speech after winning the Korea Baseball Organization Fielding Award during the awards ceremony at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
Now that he has been made available for interested Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs, all Kiwoom Heroes infielder Song Sung-mun can do is wait.
Song has been posted for MLB teams and his 30-day negotiating window will close at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Dec. 21. If he doesn't land a deal during this period, the All-Star player must remain in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) with the Heroes and may not be posted again until November next year.
"It has only been a few days and I guess I'll have to wait and see," Song told reporters Monday after accepting his trophy for the KBO Fielding Award at third base at the awards ceremony in Seoul. "My agent in the U.S. told me things are just getting started and we will have good results at the end. I am sure he's doing his best on my behalf."
And if he does sign, his first MLB contract would be a fine Christmas present.
"If I get to fly out to the U.S. around that time, then it will be the greatest present ever and the biggest event of my baseball career," Song said with a smile. "It will give me an opportunity to challenge myself in the greatest baseball league in the world. It will be the happiest and the most meaningful day of my baseball career."
The late-blooming infielder had his breakout campaign in 2024, posting a .340/.409/.518 line along with career highs of 19 homers, 104 RBIs and 21 steals. He overcame a slow start to the 2025 season to finish with a .315/.387/.530 line, 26 home runs, 90 RBIs and 25 steals.
At 29, Song admitted this could be his last shot at reaching MLB, saying, "Unless I hit 60 home runs next year, I don't think I can take another crack after this."
Song, however, knows the qualities that make him a target among MLB clubs this winter.
"It's a bit embarrassing to talk about myself, but I think I am a versatile player who can do everything well, be it hitting, fielding and baserunning," Song said. "I am not a one-dimensional player who can only hit but can't run the bases well. I think scouts like that about me."
Song said he can't wait to find out what the future holds for him.
"As a ball player, I think I poured everything I have into this season," he said. "I think I will be able to accept whatever outcome I get."