Kim Kwang-hyun is not the reference point for Kim Kwang-hyun. How did Yang Hyun-jong set aside 4.5 billion won, he treated the Tigers man
Dec 04, 2025
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KIA Tigers retained one-club man Yang Hyun-jong. KIA completed an FA contract with Yang Hyun-jong on the 4th for a total of 4.5 billion won, including a 2+1 year contract period, a down payment of 1 billion won, and annual salary and incentives. The proportion of salaries and incentives was not disclosed under mutual agreement.
This was Yang's third FA. In December 2016, he became the first FA qualification and signed a one-year contract with KIA for 2.25 billion won, and in December 2021, when he returned from his U.S. Major League challenge, he signed a four-year contract with KIA for 10.3 billion won. Including this contract, the total amount of FA contracts is 17.5 billion won.
As Yang Hyun-jong came to the FA market, many predicted that Kim Kwang-hyun's contract (SSG Landers) would be a reference point. Kim Kwang-hyun is the leading left-hander ace of the league along with Yang Hyun-jong. Kim Kwang-hyun signed a two-year, non-FA multi-year contract with SSG during this season, and Yang Hyun-jong's eye level is expected to start at 3.6 billion won.
In this regard, KIA general manager Shim Jae-hak did not strike out Kim Kwang-hyun's contract as a reference point. Isn't there an identity about the one-club man that we have. First of all, we appreciated that and proceeded with the negotiations. During the negotiation process, Kim Kwang-hyun's contract was not in mind," he said firmly.
In fact, 4.5 billion won may appear to be an excessive investment based on this year's record alone. Yang Hyun-jong had only 30 games, 7-9 losses, 153 innings and an ERA of 5.06 this season. In addition, Yang Hyun-jong was not comfortable in many ways as his team finished eighth this year.
Of course, the KIA club considered Yang Hyun-jong's future, but it put weight on treating franchise stars.
Yang Hyun-jong graduated from Gwangju Dongseong High School and was nominated by KIA in the second round in 2007 and played as a Tigers man for as many as 18 seasons until this year. His career record was 186 wins, 2185 strikeouts, and a 3.90 ERA in 543 appearances and 2,656 ⅔ innings.
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Innings were unrivalled in their ability. Yang holds the record for innings. He achieved 170 innings of pitches for the first 10 consecutive seasons in the league in 2024, and this season, he became the first in the league to build 150 innings of pitches for 11 consecutive seasons.
Yang Hyun-jong is now trying to break the record of 3,000 innings (2nd time ever), the most innings, and the most wins.
General manager Shim said "He's a player worth that much (4.5 billion won). The value of a player to throw in the future is also important, but in a way, I think the club's thoughts on Yang Hyun-jong's path so far are contained in the amount."
Then, why did the initial negotiations have been difficult.
General manager Shim said "I think the club thought the most about how much Hyunjong should set the value of the one-club man and sign the contract, so I think he thought about it for a long time. It took time to continue to meet and talk with Hyunjong's agent and agree on how to treat and treat him. Yesterday (the 3rd) evening, we found a point of contact between the two sides, and we immediately reached the contract."
Yang Hyun-jong is also indispensable in the current KIA starting lineup. Except for Yang Hyun-jong, there is no domestic pitcher who can take responsibility for more than 150 innings in a season. With Yang Hyun-jong's contract, two foreign pitchers and Lee Eui-ri have secured four starting positions. The remaining spot is expected to be a battle between Kim Tae-hyung, Hwang Dong-ha, and Kim Do-hyun.
Head Shim said "Yang Hyun-jong currently occupies a large proportion of our starting team. Young players are also likely to have a starting lineup, but it's true that we need a lot of starters, especially in the beginning, who can lead the inning. "It's true that his performance was not good this year, but I think Hyun-jong will be able to rebound next year." Yang Hyun-jong is a very good player, so I think he will get better enough" showed faith.
After signing the contract with the club, Yang Hyun-jong thanked the fans for their constant support at all times. Whenever I took the mound, I was able to come here because of the shouts of Tigers fans who sent me. And once again, I am grateful to the club for recognizing my value and giving me a chance. While playing in the Tigers uniform, I won and achieved many records, but my challenge is not over yet. I want to show Tigers fans a steady performance until the moment they take off their uniforms"I'm determined.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
