By Yoon Chul
Yakult Swallows closer Lim Chang-yong expects to hit the jackpot after this season, after being named at the top of a Major League scouting report.
“Lim is a scouter’s first consideration among Asian pitchers,” a Major League scout told the Sports Chosun. “He deserves to get at least $6 million (7.2 billion won). The issue will be on guaranteed salary but he should earn about $6 million.”
Lim, who will become a free agent on finishing a three-year contract with the Swallows at the end of this season, recorded his 27th save on Wednesday marking a 1.54 ERA against the Yokohama Bay Stars.
While pitching in the Japanese professional league, the 34-year-old sidearm pitcher has turned his fortunes around.
In 2002, Lim was on the posting system — a baseball player transfer system operated in NPB and MLB.
The Korean international was expected to earn more than $2 million but the MLB estimated him at only $650,000.
As Lim was undervalued, his then-team the Samsung Lions refused to release him.
When Lim crossed the East Sea his salary was only $300,000. But before starting this season his salary was raised to $1.6 million.
The estimation of MLB can also induce NPB’s big clubs to spend big money on Lim.
And if the Yomiuri Giants try to acquire him, his salary could be huge.
Meanwhile, the Giants manager Tatsunori Hara has said that the Swallows closer and the bullpen are too strong when defending a lead before the Giants played the Swallows this season.