Seo Geon-chang of the Kia Tigers poses in front of the team’s logo after re-signing with the club as a free agent on Jan. 9, 2025, in this photo provided by the Tigers. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 9 (Korea Bizwire) — The defending Korean Series champions Kia Tigers announced Thursday they have retained free agent Seo Geon-chang.
The Tigers said Seo signed to a one-year deal, with a vesting option for a second season, meaning that it will become guaranteed if Seo reaches a performance incentive threshold this year. Seo can make as much as 500 million won (US$343,480) with this deal.
Seo joined the Tigers, his hometown team based in the southern city of Gwangju, before the 2024 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season. He appeared in 94 games, his highest total since 2021, and batted .310 with a robust .416 on-base percentage. The 35-year-old played both first base and second base.
Seo, the 2014 KBO regular season MVP, also made the Korean Series roster in October and earned his first championship ring.
“I am happy to be back with my hometown team, and I feel a sense of responsibility as a veteran,” Seo said. “I think the team will want me to provide some leadership. I will try to work with young guys to lift the championship trophy in Gwangju once again this year.”
The Tigers said they wanted to recognize Seo’s contribution to their title run and they value his versatility and leadership skills.
(Yonhap)
