For the first time in KBO history, simultaneous export of KRW 58.6 billion was this much

Dec 03, 2025

Game 1 of the Korean Series between Hanwha and LG at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 26th. Ponce and Weiss Ryu Hyun-jin lined up on the ground before the game. Jamsil = Reporter Jung Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2025.10.26/

There have been many cases of reverse export, but this is the first time that one-two punch goes at the same time. This year, Hanwha Eagles' super-strong first and second starters will receive the best treatment and go to the Major League.

Local media such as the U.S. 'Fox Sports' reported on the 3rd (Korea time) that Ryan Weiss, who played for the Hanwha Eagles, has signed a contract agreement with the Houston Astros.

It's not a minor contract, it's a major league guarantee contract. Weiss agreed to a one-plus-one-year contract with Houston with a guaranteed salary of $2.6 million (about 3.8 billion won) for the 2026 season and a club option to execute the contract for the 2027 season. You can receive up to $10 million (about 14.7 billion won) for two years, and if the Houston club refuses to implement the option after the 2026 season, it will be released as an FA for only $2.6 million.

On the same day, news of Cody Ponce's contract agreement was also announced. According to reports such as 'ESPN', Ponce agreed with the Toronto Blue Jays, and the terms are $30 million (about 44 billion won) for three years. The guarantee period is longer than that of Weiss and the contract itself is larger.

Game 5 of the Korean Series between LG and Hanwha at Hanwha Life Ball Park in Daejeon on the 31st. Weiss and Ponce are watching the game. Daejeon = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2025.10.31/

Major League clubs have been paying attention to Ponce, whose skills have soared in Korea through Japan. The average fastball speed has become much faster than in Japan, and the completeness of the breaking ball has become much higher with the installation of a new powerful splitter. As a result, Ponce was able to succeed in a mega contract that far exceeded the two-year, $15 million contract of Eric Pedi (NC→ Chicago White Sox), which was the highest contract among the previous major league reverse export cases of the KBO League.

It is a contract that shows how great Hanwha's one-two punch was this year. Ponce, who had been a 'decent pitcher with Japanese experience' until he came to Hanwha, has been reborn as a special pitcher who can be included in the starting five-man rotation in the Major League, and Weiss, a sub-normal pitcher who was considering retiring from the U.S. independent league, will be able to step on the 'Dream Stage' Major League through Korea. Based on the maximum amount of the contract, the total ransom of the two evaluated by the Major League club amounted to 58.6 billion won.

Hanwha advanced to the Korean Series with an 11-2 victory in Game 5 of the PO held at Hanwha Life Ball Park in Daejeon on the 24th. Photo of Ponce, Weiss and Riverato cheering after the game. Daejeon = Reporter Huh Sang-wook wook@sportschosun.com/2025.10.24/

In fact, Weiss's trip to the majors exceeded predictions. Hanwha also expected to break up early in Ponce's case, but Weiss made efforts to renew the contract. Other baseball officials also said "Maybe Weiss will remain in Hanwha.", but things changed completely when Houston offered a major guarantee contract. It's a tempting condition even for Weiss that he can't refuse.

However, Hanwha's question mark over the 2026 season has grown much bigger as both of the league's best foreign pitchers have left. If only Ponce, Weiss or Weiss are left, the calculation for next season will become somewhat clear, but now all three foreign players have been replaced, making it impossible to guarantee unconditionally.

Hanwha recruited a new foreign pitcher Wilkel Hernandez last week and also completed a contract with foreign hitter Jonathan Ferraza. Now, the last minute is being coordinated for the remaining seat.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.