episode_0325

“Hmm, the players’ salaries have been settled, but the issue lies with free agency… Director Cheon?”

A few days after Je Mang-ho concluded the salary negotiations, almost all of the AT Thunder’s players had finished their salary negotiations, leaving only major contracts pending. In baseball teams, a major contract refers to a free agent (FA) contract. And in this year’s FA market, a large-scale item was expected to be the highest ever – the catcher Han Cheol Grizzlies’ Lee Yong-gi.

“Don’t worry about the budget. The chairman is really pleased with this year’s championship.”

“Of course…”

With So-yeong’s reassurance that there were no financial concerns, the faces of those gathered in the conference room brightened considerably.

“But can we really get Yong-gi from Han Cheol? If the price is the same, he might prefer to stay with Han Cheol.”

“Nevertheless, given Han Cheol’s current situation and our Seoul premium, we should have enough money to acquire Yong-gi.”

“It would be perfect if we could just bring in Yong-gi.”

In 2023, AT’s batting lineup was considered one of the best, known as the ‘nuclear lineup,’ but when weaknesses were identified, the catcher position stood out. The primary catcher, Jung Yoon-cheol, had a decent 2023 season with a .258 batting average, 10 home runs, and an OPS of 0.714 in 110 games. While not poor, it wasn’t outstanding either.

In contrast, Yong-gi’s performance this season included a batting average of .361, 22 home runs, 101 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.017, marking a career-high. Not only did he excel in batting, but he also demonstrated top-tier stability in defense, making him a highly sought-after player by the AT Thunder’s leadership.

Not just AT, all ten KBA teams coveted Yong-gi as a prized asset. Therefore, for the AT Thunder aiming for a repeat victory in 2023, acquiring Yong-gi was a top priority. Even the Volcano Falcons and NV Lex, ranking 9th and 10th this season, could become championship contenders with Yong-gi on their roster.

This stove league could easily be dubbed the ‘Yong-gi League,’ and everyone in the conference room was putting their best efforts into securing Yong-gi’s acquisition.

“Well… But if we get Yong-gi, won’t the salary cap be an issue?”

“In that case, what about Kim Ju-yeop?”

“…I guess there’s no other choice.”

“In truth, there are many players who could replace Kim Ju-yeop, aren’t there?”

When someone mentioned that there were plenty of players who could replace Kim Ju-yeop, silence fell over the conference room once again. This statement held some truth. Even during AT’s dark times, several quality outfielders debuted around Woo Gwan-hyeong, and the outfield farm was still abundant, making it unnecessary to cling to FA Kim Ju-yeop.

“Kim Ju-yeop’s agent is asking for 57 billion won over 6 years.”

“A signing bonus of 15 billion and an annual salary of 6 billion… Even though we’ve won the championship, we can’t afford to pay Kim Ju-yeop 6 billion.”

Kim Ju-yeop’s performance this year showcased a stat line of .320/.396/.401/.797 with 141 hits, 4 home runs, and 101 runs scored, achieving a career high. However, even as a center fielder, his performance didn’t justify a 6 billion won salary, and he wasn’t a top-tier defensive player either. Hence, from AT’s perspective, there were reservations about signing Kim Ju-yeop.

“Kim Ju-yeop…”

At that moment, So-yeong, who had been listening to the conversation, spoke up. All eyes in the conference room turned to So-yeong, knowing that the final decision would come from her.

“He’s a great player. But we have many talented outfielders in our farm system as well. For instance, Baek Jeong-jin is one of them.”

“Right. Baek Jeong-jin. He showed great performance in this post-season as well.”

“And there’s Jung Hwi-cheol in the second team. I heard that player is also receiving good evaluations on-site.”

“Yes, Hwi-cheol is good. His defense would be no problem even if he joins the first team immediately. He hit around .350 in the Futures League. In my personal opinion, it would be fine to convert him into a full-time player right away.”

“Then there’s only one answer. Let’s focus on Lee Yong-gi in this FA market.”

“Hmm… Indeed.”

“Team Leader, do you think we can secure Lee Yong-gi?”

“I’ve been talking with the agent continuously. A signing fee of 8 billion, 20 billion per year for 4 years, totaling 160 billion with a 20 billion option. A total of 180 billion.”

“180 billion….”

A ridiculous contract of 4 years and 180 billion. Compared to the deal where a player who went to the Major Leagues signed for 6 years and 150 billion, it was an even more astonishing proposal. Lee Yong-gi’s agents were in a position to negotiate, of course, considering themselves superior to the player who was younger than the Major Leaguer and had the merit of being a catcher.

“Well, no club will offer that much. But it should be around that range. However, he won’t be able to renegotiate at Hancheol.”

“Then let’s prioritize negotiating with Lee Yong-gi as Director Cheon suggested.”

“Yes, let’s even consider penalties if necessary.”

“Then let’s conclude the meeting here today.”

“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

With that, the meeting ended, and So-yeong returned to her office. However, despite the meeting ending, her worries continued.

“If we bring in Lee Yong-gi, the dream of building an empire before Maeng-ho leaves is not far-fetched.”

So-yeong’s goal was not just to win once but to build an empire in Korean baseball history like Real Madrid, which established itself as a symbol of football by winning five consecutive Champions League titles or the Yankees with five consecutive Major League titles. For that goal, Lee Yong-gi, the catcher, was a piece she didn’t want to miss.

Of course, it seemed possible to achieve five consecutive wins with Ji Maeng-ho alone, but unfortunately, there wasn’t much time left for AT and Ji Maeng-ho to be together.

“Improvements to the posting system….”

It was all because of the agenda item from the previous KBA board meeting about improving the posting system. The proposed change was simple: to reduce the posting period from 7 seasons to 4 seasons. So-yeong, who was practically the owner of AT Thunders, had known about this content for a long time.

In fact, this system change had been something the commissioner had been thinking about for a while. It was not uncommon for promising players who could lead Korean baseball to go to the U.S. for their dreams, get selected by weak teams, or for various reasons, fail in the minor leagues without being able to showcase their talents. And as talented prospects continued to move to the U.S. from Korea, it had an impact on the league.

However, the clubs were not willing to let go of their players easily, and everyone had been against this improvement proposal. But now, an unprecedented ecosystem disruptor had emerged in the league, and all other clubs except AT had agreed to this improvement proposal. All to send Ji Maeng-ho to the Majors as soon as possible.

Of course, if another rookie had achieved the same results as Maeng-ho, So-yeong would have opposed it fiercely. But since it was Maeng-ho who achieved those results, and So-yeong didn’t want to hinder his future, she accepted the proposal.

“With 4 seasons, it’s now 3 years. We need to build a strong team that can win even without Maeng-ho. To do that, recruiting Lee Yong-gi is essential.”

That’s why preparations had to be made for a time when Maeng-ho was not around.

Investing 18 billion won in a player was a considerable burden from the perspective of running a team, but it was justified for Yi Yong-gi, who possessed the value. As a catcher with top-tier defense in the league, exceptional hitting abilities that could rival BQ and other batters, he had the potential to change the team’s destiny.

“Well, Grandpa will understand since he’s happy with the victory.”

The amount was significant enough for So-young, who also loved baseball, to seek permission from Chairman Cheon, her grandfather. However, she was somewhat confident about acquiring Yi Yong-gi. Meeting the conditions of using Seoul as their home base, being the previous season’s championship team, and being a large corporation capable of investing such amounts in baseball.

So, So-young awaited negotiations with Yi Yong-gi, contemplating creating a new empire in the KBA League, but her expectations were shattered in an instant.

– Volcano Falcons! Acquiring Yi Yong-gi! 4 years, 18 billion won!

– Record-breaking deal in KBA history! Yi Yong-gi signs for 18 billion won without options!

– FA’s biggest fish, Yi Yong-gi, heads to Daejeon. ‘Jackpot!’

Yi Yong-gi, known as the biggest catch of this FA market, ultimately decided on Daejeon as his destination. With his outstanding defense and hitting records, Yi Yong-gi signed with the Volcano Falcons for 4 years at 18 billion won (80 billion won signing fee, 25 billion won annual salary)…

Meanwhile, Yi Yong-gi expressed his ambition, “I will aim for victory alongside returning senior Seong-hyun.”

– Looks like we’re really going to the postseason this season.

– Yi Yong-gi acquisition is insane!!!!

– Definitely looks like AT is spending money and winning, so it seems like Volcano is also splurging.

Contrary to So-young’s hopes, the Volcano Falcons successfully secured Yi Yong-gi for 18 billion won without any options. Understanding Yi Yong-gi’s importance, the Volcano Falcons aimed for the league’s top spot by acquiring him to pursue victory alongside Seong-hyun’s return.

And the spending spree by the Volcano didn’t stop there.

– Volcano Falcons acquire Kim Ju-yeop! 6 years, 64 billion won! Reinforcing the outfield!

…By acquiring Kim Ju-yeop, who shined as the leadoff hitter for the AT Thunder this season, they successfully strengthened the uncertain centerline…

– Wow, this season is truly different.

– Starting pitchers include Seong-hyun, Chae Jae-hyun, Kim Min-jun, two foreign players. Additionally, two FA signings, Choi Si-woo, closer Shin Su-ho… This season is crazy, seriously lol.

“Then we will conclude this Golden Glove award ceremony here.”

Clap clap!

After the host’s closing remarks, applause filled the venue. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this season’s Golden Glove awards went according to expectations, and I, too, received the 2nd base Golden Glove, completing this season with all possible accolades.

Except for Jung Yoon-cheol, AT had all its position players nominated for the Golden Glove, with four players including Choi Jin-cheol, Ki Sang-joo, Kim Soo-ho, and myself winning the award, successfully producing winners fitting for the championship team.

“Congratulations, Maeng-ho.”

“Congratulations, Maeng-ho!”

On the way out with a bouquet, I saw Yi Yong-gi. It reminded me of So-young’s sadness a few days ago when baseball talk during a trip with girls turned to why Yi Yong-gi wasn’t acquired.

‘Come to think of it, why didn’t that guy come to our team? There’s no better place to play baseball than AT.’

With many pretty female fans, nothing particularly enticing for a rookie like me, and crucially, AT was my team. If someone as smart as Yi Yong-gi knew that winning wouldn’t be easy for several years as long as I was on our team, I wondered why he chose to go to the last-place team, Volcano.

“Yong-gi hyung!”

“Oh, Maeng-ho.”

“Congratulations on the Golden Glove.”

“What, I kind of expected to receive it anyway. Hey, did you really do an interview with Hyeon? They say those media jerks are going too far. Anyway, why haven’t you been in touch all this time?”

How many times have I received this question today? Tired of repeating myself, I gave a simple answer.

“Yeah, it’s true?”

The reason for not keeping in touch was simple. After the season ended, I was busy traveling with my girls both domestically and internationally, so I didn’t have time to keep in touch. And even if I had the time, there was no reason to respond to the guys’ messages.

“I thought so… What? Really?”

“Hyung, why did you go to the volcano instead? Come to AT. Our team wanted to recruit you.”

Seizing the moment when Lee Yong-gi seemed dumbfounded, I asked him directly what I had been curious about.

“Hey.”

In response to my question, Lee Yong-gi chuckled as if amused and called out to me.

“Yes?”

“What’s the fun in winning together with you? I’m going to beat you at the volcano and win. Let’s only be on the same team in national competitions.”

“What’s that…”

“If it’s too easy, it’s not fun, right? Didn’t you say it was boring? This season won’t be boring.”

“Hyung! Hyung!? What, isn’t it good enough to just win?”

With that, Lee Yong-gi left behind incomprehensible words and walked ahead.