Wow, 400 million? Why did Kia treat a 35-year-old veteran with a special treatment…The director wanted it
Nov 19, 2025
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The KIA Tigers selected veteran right-hander Lee Tae-yang of the Hanwha Eagles in the first round in the second draft, which was held behind closed doors on the 19th. He gave up his second-round pick and called KT Wiz infielder Lee Ho-yeon in the third round. KIA, which ranked eighth this year, had the authority to appoint additional fourth and fifth rounds, but did not use them. The reinforcement was completed by spending 600 million won by adding 400 million won in the first round and 200 million won in the third round.
Regarding Lee Tae-yang's nomination, KIA club is a veteran right-hander who has a variety of pitches and can take responsibility for long innings. He said, "We thought of it as the No. 1 target for recruitment because it has the advantage of being able to select and intermediate, and we plan to use it for all weather conditions."
KIA general manager Shim Jae-hak visited Okinawa, Japan, the training site for the wrap-up camp ahead of the second draft. It was to meet director Lee Bum-ho in person and plan a nomination strategy by reflecting the voice of the field. Lee Tae-yang stood out on the list of 35 protected players of each club.
Shim said "Lee Taeyang becomes a long relief. I wanted a pitcher who could throw multiple innings on the spot, and I think I gave Lee Tae-yang a high score in that regard" he said.
Lee Tae-yang signed a four-year, 2.5 billion won contract with Hanwha ahead of the 2023 season. KIA will pay the remaining 270 million won out of 1.7 billion won in annual salary. If the transfer is added, Lee Tae-yang will be brought in for 670 million won.
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Shim said "At first, I thought of second and third round nominations, but I had to consider the possibility of being nominated by other teams. He explained, "I nominated him in the first round as much as the coach wanted, and he didn't use the second round nomination instead."
Lee Tae-yang graduated from Hyocheon High School and wore a Hanwha uniform in 2010 as the 36th in the 5th round of the rookie draft. Then, in June 2020, he traded to the SK Wyverns (current SSG Landers). During his three years at SSG, he gained various experiences as a swingman and contributed to the 2022 integrated championship.
Lee Tae-yang returned home after signing an FA contract with Hanwha in 2023. He wanted a veteran attitude by accepting and following Hanwha's desired positions, including must-win, chasing, long relief, and selection. It was the type of player that KIA wants right now. That year, Lee Tae-yang pitched 100 ⅓ innings in 50 games. 3 wins, 3 losses, 2 holds, and an ERA of 3.23.
However, the last two years have been rarely used in the first team. Last year, he was sluggish in 10 games, 2 losses, 9 ⅓ innings, and 11.57 ERA, and remained in 14 games, 1 loss, 11 ⅓ innings, and 3.97 ERA this year. There was an aftermath of elbow surgery last year.
Lee Tae-yang is more likely to finish the rest of his career at KIA. Anyway, the field wanted it strongly, so we recruited a player. Will Kia be able to shake off its slump and sing its revival.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
