Daejeon, South Korea – – Veteran outfielder Son Ah-seop will return to the Hanwha Eagles for the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season, the club announced Thursday. The deal is for one year and worth 100 million won (approximately $68,000 USD), a significant reduction from his previous salary.
Son, 38, is the KBO’s all-time leader in hits with 2,618, a record he’s built over a career that began in . He rejoined the Eagles last July after a trade from the NC Dinos, appearing in 111 regular-season games and batting .288 with one home run and 50 RBIs. Despite his continued ability to get on base, the reduced contract reflects a changing market for the long-time star.
The re-signing concludes a relatively quiet free agency period for Son, who was the last unsigned player in the KBO. While his offensive production remains respectable, concerns about his declining power and defensive capabilities likely contributed to the lower offer. Last season, his Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with Hanwha was a disappointing -0.05, according to STATIZ, a stark contrast to his earlier career numbers.
“Thank you to the club for choosing me again,” Son said in a statement released by the Eagles. “I will join camp a bit late, but I have kept myself in shape. I will do my best in my role so the Eagles can rise again this season.”
The Eagles, who finished as runners-up in the Korean Series against the LG Twins, are clearly banking on Son’s experience and contact hitting ability to bolster their lineup. However, the financial terms of the deal suggest he will be utilized primarily as a designated hitter, rather than a regular outfielder. The team has already added new pitcher Hernandez and reunited with outfielder Perlaza in the off-season, signaling a commitment to strengthening both their pitching, and hitting.
Son’s path to spring training will be split. He is scheduled to join the Eagles’ Futures League – a second-tier developmental league – spring camp in Kochi, Japan, on . The Eagles’ first-team squad is currently training in Melbourne, Australia, preparing for the start of the KBO season.
The significant decrease in salary from 500 million won last year highlights the realities of free agency, even for a player of Son’s stature. The KBO’s compensation rules, which require teams signing certain free agents to send a player back to their former club or pay a substantial fee, may have also played a role in the limited interest. Son qualified as a C-tier free agent, meaning the compensation required was 150% of his previous salary – 750 million won – which could have deterred some teams.
Despite the reduced financial package, Son remains a significant figure in Korean baseball. His career hits record is a testament to his longevity and consistency, and his presence in the Eagles’ lineup will undoubtedly provide a boost to their offensive potential. The question now is whether he can recapture some of his earlier form and contribute to a championship run for his original club.
The Eagles’ decision to bring Son back, even at a lower price, suggests they value his leadership and experience in the clubhouse. As a veteran presence, he can mentor younger players and provide a steadying influence during the long season. His ability to consistently put the ball in play and avoid strikeouts could also be a valuable asset in key situations.
The KBO season promises to be competitive, with several teams vying for a championship. The Eagles, with a bolstered roster and a returning veteran in Son Ah-seop, will be looking to take the next step and claim the title that eluded them last year. Whether Son can play a pivotal role in that pursuit remains to be seen, but his return to the Eagles is a clear indication of the team’s commitment to contending in the upcoming season.
