"Grateful, But We Won't Hold On" "How Much Do You Want?"... As the FA Market Turns Cold, an Unimaginable 'Money War' Begins

[Financial News] As the 2025 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League, which was heated by the LG Twins' unified championship, came to a close, clubs immediately shifted their focus to the stove league.
Now, it is the front office's time, not the players or managers. On the 5th, the Korea Baseball Organization announced the list of 30 players who have qualified for Free Agent (FA) status in 2026. This list essentially signaled the start of 'Money War Season 2.' This winter's market centers around Kang Baek-ho and Park Chan-ho. The two share clear similarities: both are franchise stars and symbols of their teams, and both are cards that could shape the league's competitive landscape.
Kang Baek-ho is regarded as having top-tier hitting talent. Although he has struggled over the past two years with injuries, positional instability, and a decline in batting average, his potential as a premier left-handed slugger remains intact. He has played infield, outfield, and catcher, but has not settled into any position, and for the 2025 season, he is limited to the designated hitter role.
However, what clubs are focusing on is not his 'failed positions,' but his 'hitting potential.' In particular, the Lotte Giants and Doosan Bears, both in need of young power hitters, are seen as likely destinations. The complication is that Kang Baek-ho is also looking overseas. In April, he signed with the global agency Paragon Sports International, preparing for a move to Major League Baseball (MLB). While the outcome of such a deal remains uncertain, it is clear that there are now more factors to consider.

In contrast, Park Chan-ho is a proven asset right now. With above-average hitting, speed, and defense, he is considered a 'reliable shortstop option.' The Kia Tigers have made retaining Park their top priority internally, but the situation is complicated by the pending free agency of players like Cho Sang-woo, Yang Hyeon-jong, and Choi Hyoung-woo. The front office faces a tough calculation.
Teams such as KT Wiz and Lotte Giants are eyeing this opportunity, both sharing a weakness up the middle. While KT Wiz must also invest to keep catcher Jang Sung-woo, acquiring Park Chan-ho would solidify their infield core. The Lotte Giants have been rotating players at shortstop for years.
In short, Park Chan-ho is a realistic solution that any team with a shortstop gap will covet. Unlike Kang Baek-ho, who shakes up the market with his bat alone, Park Chan-ho's value lies in being 'ready to contribute immediately.' His reliability is his greatest asset.

The unified champion LG Twins also face a crossroads. Both Hyun-soo Kim and Park Hae-min have earned FA status at the same time. Rumors of Hyun-soo Kim returning to the Doosan Bears have fueled the market. If he returns to his original team, where he debuted in 2006, it would be more than a simple transfer—it would be a homecoming filled with narrative and emotion.
Park Hae-min, still among the league's best defenders, has been classified as a B-level FA. With lower compensation requirements, he is seen as a 'cost-effective FA' for teams in urgent need of outfield reinforcement.
From the Hanwha Eagles, left-handed bullpen pitcher Kim Beom-su is drawing attention in the market. While veteran players like Kang Min-ho, Son Ah-seop, Jae-gyun Hwang, and Kim Jae-hwan are also available, their market value is not what it once was.

It is now an era where substance matters more than name value. The reason this year's FA market is expected to be hotter than ever is the relaxation of the Salary Cap. Starting next year, the Korea Baseball Organization will raise the Salary Cap ceiling and significantly reduce penalty amounts. In addition, the salary of one franchise player will count for only 50% toward the Salary Cap. As a result, clubs now have much more room to spend.
Players eligible for FA status must apply to the Korea Baseball Organization for approval to exercise their FA rights by the 7th. On the 8th, the Korea Baseball Organization will officially announce the list of players who have exercised their FA rights.
"When money flows, the market moves." This simple truth is once again shaking up the KBO. The real money war is about to begin, and now, the clubs' calculations will determine the league's future.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter