Typically, players from Japan and South Korea will spend some time in the leagues in their home country before coming stateside. They spend a few years in those leagues, burnishing their credentials before being posted or emerging as an international free agent. At least, that is typically the path from those areas to the majors.
That was not the case for former Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. He skipped playing in the Korean Baseball Organization to come stateside, signing with the Mariners as an 18 year old amateur free agent. Now, 20 years later, Choo is set to make his KBO debut, having signed with the SK Wyverns.
Former Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo lands largest payday in KBO history
The Wyverns actually held Choo’s rights due to a special draft back in 2007, where players who were overseas for at least five years since 1999 were selected. He signed the largest contract in KBO history at 2.7 billion won (approximately $2.4 million). Choo will donate 1 billion won to charity as well.
Choo has easily been the most successful Korean player in major league history. The 2018 All Star has posted a solid .275/.377/.447 batting line in his 7157 plate appearances, hitting 218 homers and 339 doubles while stealing 157 bases. Even though he had a somewhat disappointing 2020 campaign, Choo had posted a respectable 96 OPS+ in his 127 plate appearances, hitting five homers and stealing six bases.
There were reports that teams stateside were interested in his services. After signing Kolten Wong, the Brewers were supposedly interested in Choo at first base, a move that did not appear to be much of a fit. In the end, any interest was for naught, as Choo is heading back home.
Chances are, this brings an end to his major league career. If so, he leaves the majors as the most successful player from South Korea, his 34.6 bWAR nearly double that of Chan Ho Park in second. Choo helped make his country a place where teams look for major league caliber talent while providing an inspiration for others.
Former Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo is heading to the Korean Baseball Organization. If his major league career is truly over, it was an impressive ride.