Terrifying! Only Doosan Bears Stand Out in the Free Agent Market... After Top Prize Chan Ho Park, Could Hyun-soo Kim Be Next?

[Financial News] The Hot Stove League for the Doosan Bears is especially heated this year. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Doosan has captured all the attention this offseason. Just nine days after the free agent market opened, Doosan landed the first major signing, immediately resetting the market standard with the contract amount.
A four-year, 8 billion won deal. The amount Doosan offered to shortstop Chan Ho Park was more than just a roster upgrade—it was a declaration: "We are returning to our glory days." In recent years, Doosan has taken a cautious approach, focusing on player development and retaining internal free agents to recover from its dynasty era. However, this winter marks a dramatic shift.
With the appointment of new manager Kim Won-hyong, Doosan’s first move was to go on the offensive. The first player to open this new chapter was Chan Ho Park.
The acquisition of Chan Ho Park was more than a positional reinforcement—it was a solution to a long-standing need. Since Kim Jae-ho, Doosan had struggled to find a reliable starting shortstop, rotating several players throughout the 2024 season with limited success. In contrast, Chan Ho Park is a top-tier shortstop, known for his durability (playing over 140 games each season), elite defensive range, speed, strong arm, and even a Golden Glove. The 8 billion won contract reflects both Doosan’s urgency and Park’s market value.
The excitement didn’t stop there. Just hours after announcing Park’s signing, Doosan revealed it had re-signed internal free agent Jo Soo-haeng to a four-year deal worth a total of 1.6 billion won. Jo Soo-haeng, who led the Korea Baseball Organization with 64 stolen bases in 2024, is a premier base stealer capable of changing the game’s momentum in the later innings. Regardless of his starting status, his defense and baserunning add valuable tactical options for the team.
From the very start of the Hot Stove League, Doosan is the only team to have strengthened its roster without any losses.

All of these moves are significant as bold inauguration gifts for manager Kim Won-hyong. As the 12th manager in Doosan’s history, Kim takes the helm at a delicate time, balancing the legacy of a dynasty with a generational shift. To support him, Doosan provided Chan Ho Park—a player who can immediately stabilize the infield and anchor the team’s direction.
It’s a basic principle in baseball: a stable shortstop transforms the entire infield, and a solid infield changes pitching management, defensive strategies, and overall team performance.
What’s even more thrilling for fans is that Doosan’s Hot Stove League is far from over. This winter’s free agent market features several high-profile names. In particular, Hyun-soo Kim’s stalled contract negotiations with the LG Twins have drawn league-wide attention. Given Doosan’s aggressive 8 billion won signing, speculation is growing that the team might make another surprise move.
Considering the inconsistency of starting outfielder Kim Jae-hwan, the instability of the left-handed batting lineup, and the need for experienced outfielders, the idea of acquiring Hyun-soo Kim is not far-fetched. Among fans, there’s a cautious but growing excitement—“Could they really get Hyun-soo Kim, too?”


For nearly a decade, Doosan has been at the heart of the Korea Baseball Organization, including a record eight consecutive Korean Series appearances. However, in recent years, the team has faced changes such as roster turnover, generational shifts, and some setbacks. That’s why Doosan’s early moves this Hot Stove League are more than just reinforcements—they signal a determined return to prominence.
There are still major talents available in the market. Doosan’s winter is just beginning, and the Korea Baseball Organization’s Hot Stove League is now being called: “This Hot Stove League? All you see is Doosan.”
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter