It was an expedient, not illegal one. In some ways, it could have been a clever choice to dig into loopholes in the system. Anyway, if the system continues, the loopholes should be narrowed. It is about the so-called “Oh Ji-hwan trick.”
The LG Twins achieved their first win in 29 years, impressing many baseball fans. At the center of it was “Captain” Oh Ji-hwan. He became the MVP by hitting three critical home runs in the Korean Series. He was given the opportunity to play as the main shortstop in a popular team from an early age, but failed to show as good as expected and was rumored to be more often. However, he created the best twist with his mature performance and leadership.월카지노
However, something that slightly broke that impression occurred right after the end of the Korean Series. This was because Oh Ji-hwan suddenly submitted an application to become an FA. As he signed his first FA contract with LG four years ago, it was not a problem to become an FA again. However, Oh informed the world that he signed a multi-year non-FA contract with LG earlier this year. He agreed to a huge six-year contract worth 12.4 billion won and even took a commemorative photo with CEO Kim In-seok.
Why did such a player suddenly apply for an FA? It was because of the 2nd draft, which suddenly revived. It was necessary to prepare a 25-member squad for protection, but players who became an FA were automatically excluded. It was LG’s strategic choice to protect even one more player. In fact, LG announced a multi-year non-FA contract, but neither made an actual contract nor submitted it to the KBO. Other teams had no idea, but the announcement served as a “show.” In other words, LG locked up players early on before Oh’s ransom soared further.
There was no violation of regulations. However, it was something that other teams could be cheeky about. I understand that LG wants to protect its players because there are many good players, but few people would appreciate it if LG confidently announces the contract and suddenly turns the tables, saying that the details were not true to protect one protected player.
If a team had to catch a shortstop FA, Oh Ji-hwan would have been enviable enough, but LG’s announcement of a multi-year contract with a non-FA had no choice but to remove him from the recruitment list. It takes a lot of preparation from early on to bring in such a large ransom player. We need to secure a budget. In particular, with the introduction of the salary cap system, such preparation process has become more detailed. However, if a team suddenly finds out that Oh Ji-hwan can apply for an FA, which team can suddenly enter the recruitment race.
Consequently, LG signed a “real” FA contract with Oh Ji-hwan on Monday. As the company announced about a year ago, the deal was worth 12.4 billion won (19.4 million U.S. dollars) for six years. Oh took another photo with Kim. Oh was also an option to lose. He has played as an FA twice. If he becomes the third FA, he will definitely get a C grade. If he becomes an FA after six years without joining the FA this time, he will get a B grade. Although he has declared himself an eternal LG man, the question is whether he will get a B grade or a C grade in the next FA.
The problem is that in the process, other clubs’ complaints were clearly revealed. And KBO’s pride was also hurt. This is because the loopholes of the ambitious non-FA multi-year contract system have been revealed.
The issue was discussed at a recent meeting of the heads of 10 teams. No one could oppose the voice that the regulations should be supplemented. This is because it was not natural to anyone. Also, if left alone, there would be another case of similar abuse.
As a result of the coverage, KBO will also announce supplementary measures to this issue soon. You can check the details at the presentation, but the answer is apparently one. A player who has signed a non-FA multi-year contract cannot become a FA within the contract period. It is highly likely that he could have played as a FA for the number of years, or that his qualifications would be reserved. Players and clubs who have signed non-FA multi-year contracts will now have to submit contracts immediately.