Leaves KT and contracts with Samsung for up to 5.8 billion won over 4 years
Kim Jae-yoon, who is 33 years old and is called a veteran, but has now worn the Samsung Lions uniform, said, “I want to learn a lot.”
This is because there is a high possibility that he will play with Oh Seung-hwan (41), the ‘final captain’ who has been his idol since his professional debut.
In a phone call with Newsis after the free agent contract with Samsung was announced on the 22nd, Kim Jae-yoon said, “I am so excited that I can play with senior Oh Seung-hwan. He said, “We have had meals together a few times, but if Seung-hwan Oh stays at Samsung, we will be playing together for the first time.” He added, “Isn’t he famous for taking good care of his body? “I want to learn a lot if we play together,” he said.
Earlier this morning, Samsung announced that it had signed a four-year free agent contract worth up to 5.8 billion won with Kim Jae-yoon. The conditions are a down payment of 2 billion won, a total annual salary of 2.8 billion won, and an incentive of 1 billion won.
In recent years, Samsung has suffered from backdoor anxiety. While Oh Seung-hwan failed to show the power he had in his prime, no suitable successor emerged. Samsung's bullpen ERA this year was 5.16, the lowest in the league.
In the end, an external blood transfusion was chosen. They caught Kim Jae-yoon, who was classified as a big-time bullpen pitcher, in this winter's free agent market.
Kim Jae-yoon, who joined the KT Wiz in 2015 and served as a closing pitcher since 2016, has been reborn as a top closing pitcher in the league starting in 2021. From 2021 to 2023, he made 30 or more saves for three consecutive years. In 2022 and 2023, he ranked second in saves for the second consecutive year.
In 2021, he played an active role with 4 wins, 3 losses, 32 saves, and an ERA of 2.42, adding strength to KT's overall championship, and this year, he also achieved a record of 5 wins, 5 losses, 32 saves, and an ERA of 2.60. During his nine seasons playing professionally, his career records are 44 wins, 33 losses, 169 saves, 17 holds, and an ERA of 3.58.
Oh Seung-hwan, who qualified as a free agent after the 2023 season, exercised his rights, but is known to have intentions to remain at Samsung. Samsung, which has set a policy to renew Oh Seung-hwan's contract, is continuing discussions. Since a consensus has been formed in the larger framework, there is a high possibility that Oh Seung-hwan will remain at Samsung.
Jaeyoon Kim said, “I met Seunghwan Oh for the first time at the 2019 Spring Camp in Arizona, USA. “He was so senior that it didn’t even feel like we were training together,” he recalled.
Samsung is expecting a synergy effect between Oh Seung-hwan and Kim Jae-yoon. Kim Jae-yoon could take on the position of closing pitcher with Woo Sang or compete for the same position.
Jaeyoon Kim said, “No matter which team you are on, competing is the same. If I compete, I will do my best to play as a closing pitcher. “I think there can be a synergy effect in this respect,” he said.
Kim Jae-yoon, who has played for only one team since turning pro, is wearing the uniform of a team other than KT for the first time.
He agonized over whether to transfer or stay, but ultimately chose to go to Samsung. “After applying for FA approval, I was very grateful that Samsung gave me such a good offer. “I was worried because I was not young, but Director Lee Jong-yeol showed interest by visiting early in the morning,” he said. “From that point on, I felt sincere that he really needed me.”
He continued, “KT is the team that helped me grow. When I decided to leave, I had some regrets. “But I received a lot of support, which eased my burden a little,” he said. “I called KT coach Lee Kang-cheol yesterday. Although it was unfortunate, he said he was receiving good treatment and congratulated me. “I felt grateful but also sorry,” he said.
When asked, ‘What do you think it will be like to face KT?’, 카지노사이트랭크 he replied, “I think we will start laughing because we are all so close, but it doesn’t feel real yet.”
Through the club, “Samsung, which debuted in the KBO League in 2015, was the unrivaled best team. Kim Jae-yoon, who said, “I want to do my best to build a dynasty once again,” said in a phone call, “I think Samsung is a prestigious team. “It’s an honor to be a part of it,” he said, adding, “I can only think that I have to do well in order for Samsung to regain its former dynasty status.”
There were so many twists and turns before he was able to stand on the professional stage.
Kim Jae-yoon, who played as the starting catcher at Whimoon High School, was not nominated by a professional team, so he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks of the Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2009 and left for the United States. But he did not receive many opportunities, and returned to Korea.
Kim Jae-yoon, who knocked on the professional door again after completing his military service, turned into a pitcher after joining KT.
Kim Jae-yoon said, “When he joined KT, he only wanted to pitch in the first team, but he held on well. “I feel proud that I overcame it on my own,” he said, adding, “I feel good about signing a free agent contract under good conditions.”
He feels a sense of burden and responsibility as he receives a considerable amount of money. “It would be a lie if I said there was no pressure. “It also shows that they have recognized my value,” he said. “I will prepare better in the off-season.” “I will do my best to live up to your expectations,” he said. 고스톱