Ah-seop Son to Spurn MLB and Remain in Korea

Korean outfielder Ah-seop Son had generated some interest from major league teams this offseason. However, he has decided to remain in the Korean baseball Organization, receiving a four year contract.

Earlier this offseason, Korean outfielder Ah-seop Son had received some attention from major league teams. Major League Baseball, as part of their process, had done a status check on Son, as would be the case with any foreign free agent. It seemed possible that Son could be heading stateside, two years after failing to receive any attention when he was posted.

Once again, Son will not be coming to the majors. This time, the decision was his own, as he decided to forgo free agency. Instead, Son has signed a four year contract to remain with the Lotte Giants in the Korean Baseball Organization. The new deal is worth 9.8 Billion Won, or approximately $9 Million United States dollars.

It is a bit of a surprise that Son is remaining in Korea. He had displayed a solid batting eye, along with decent power and speed, during his career in the KBO. This past season, he produced a .335/.420/.514 batting line, hitting 20 homers and 35 doubles. Son also stole 25 bases in 33 attempts, continuing a strong performance over the past few seasons.

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Overall, in his 11 seasons in the KBO, Son has produced a strong .325/.404/.470 batting line, hitting 115 homers and stealing 156 bases. However, it is fair to look at those numbers with a bit of skepticism, as the KBO is known to be an offensive haven. Yet, even if those numbers are adjusted down by 20%, he would still be a viable option.

Of course, the same thought pertained to third baseman Jae-gyun Hwang last season. He ended up signing a minor league contract with the Giants, and only appeared in 18 games with San Francisco. He produced a meager .154/.228/.231 batting line in 57 plate appearances, and returned to Korea this offseason.

In taking that contract from the Lotte Giants, Son does not have to go through the same process that Hwang did last season. He will not need to prove himself in Spring Training, or go through being a minor league player before getting his chance. In the KBO, Son can remain a star, and get a solid payday.

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Ah-seop Son is staying in the Korean Baseball Organization. It may be the best move he can make financially.