The Baltimore Orioles want Hyun-Soo Kim to head to AAA. He, on the other hand, has other ideas.
On Thursday the Leeco Sports Agency, which represents Hyun Soo Kim, announced that Kim would be unwilling to accept a minor league assignment from the Baltimore Orioles. Yoo Jee-ho of the Yonhap News Agency has further details on the announcement in which Leeco states, “Kim would like to see his contract honored and executed faithfully. He also hopes to receive fair opportunities to continue his career as a major leaguer with Baltimore.”
Earlier in the week the Orioles were optimistic that Kim would be willing to start the season in Triple-A. Part of what makes this situation difficult is that Kim’s contract prevents Baltimore from sending him to the minors without his approval. Jeff Todd and Cory Byrne note that the Orioles basically have three options at this point. They can attempt to find a KBO team willing to take on his contract, they can keep him on their 25 man roster, or they can cut him and pay his full guaranteed salary of $7 million.
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The Orioles are understandably disappointed with Kim’s decision. Dan Duquette explained Baltimore’s position via text message to Orioles MLB.com reporter Brittany Ghiroli. “The Orioles are happy Kim is on board but feel the player needs more at-bats to prepare for the season, which unfortunately we don’t have right now in Baltimore. And it is the reason the club requested the player consider an optional assignment.”
Kim, who was highly regarded for his OBP capabilities, hit .182/.229/.182 this spring. This issue is a complex one, and it raises major questions for both parties involved. Kim clearly wants to continue his career in the US, but if he can’t get at bats in Baltimore, wouldn’t an assignment to Triple-A give him an opportunity to develop? On the other side, the Orioles were willing to include this provision in Kim’s contract so it’s difficult to fault him for using it.
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On the organizational side, the Orioles are in a tricky position. Not only must they consider what this decision could do to the culture of the locker room, but they also have to keep in mind how their decision could affect future dealings with KBO players.