[서울=뉴스핌] Reporter Kim Yong-seok = The Hanwha Eagles signed a free agent contract with Choi Jae-hoon (31) for a total of up to 5.4 billion won over five years (1.6 billion won in down payment, 3.3 billion won in annual salary, and up to 500 million won in options).
| Jaehoon Choi took a commemorative photo after signing the FA contract. [사진= 한화이글스] |
The Hanwha Eagles quickly negotiated with internal FA Choi Jae-hoon to get a contract, considering his position and influence in the team as the main catcher, and arguing that he was a necessary player.
In April 2017, Jaehoon Choi transferred from the Doosan Bears to the Hanwha Eagles jersey. After the transfer, Jae-Hoon Choi’s five season career results were batting average of 0.277, 15 homers, 153 RBIs, slugging percentage of 0.356, and on-base percentage of 0.376.
In 2020, he recorded a batting average of .301 (0.301) for the first time since his debut, and in 2021, he recorded his first 40,000 batting average (0.405) on-base percentage and 72 walks, the most in a single season. Coach Carlos Subero paid attention to his ability to get on base and used Jae-Hoon Choi as the second hitter.
General Manager Jeong Min-cheol said, “We decided that Jae-hoon Choi is our core player who needs to focus on the growth of a young team. I look forward to it,” he said.
After signing the contract, Jaehoon Choi said, “I am grateful to the club for offering good conditions. When I was first traded to the Hanwha Eagles, I am very happy to be able to keep the promise I made to my fans that I would play for the next 10 years. I will do my best to help the team take a leap forward. “He said.
He continued, “The interview with General Manager Jung Min-cheol, ‘Choi Jae-hoon is our player, I can’t give it up’ gave me confidence in my belonging and trust. I am aware of the role I want in the team. I will do my best,” he added.
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