Han Seung-taek → Hyun-soo Kim → Choi Won-jun... KT's Bold Moves Shake Up the Free Agent Market

[Financial News] After missing out on top-tier players and facing criticism, KT Wiz has become the most prominent team in this winter's Hot Stove League. By acquiring all three available external free agents for the 2025 season, KT Wiz has earned the distinction of being the only club to sign three free agents.
KT Wiz initially targeted Park Chan-ho (Doosan Bears) and Kang Baek-ho (Hanwha Eagles), but their early strategy did not go as planned. The team quickly shifted its focus, redirecting its resources toward acquiring 'mid-tier' talent.
The contract terms that emerged in this process far exceeded market expectations. The first was a fully guaranteed three-year, 5 billion KRW deal with outfielder Hyun-soo Kim. Offering a veteran in his late 30s a contract with no options and full guarantees was a bold move, well above market value. While Kim is a proven hitter, most clubs approach players of his age and declining defensive and baserunning abilities with caution.
However, KT Wiz made a different assessment. Hyun-soo Kim ranks fourth in career batting average among KBO League players with over 8,000 plate appearances. The team prioritized his consistency, leadership, and Korean Series MVP credentials (batting .529) as immediate assets. The choice of Suwon as the home stadium, rather than Jamsil, also factored into their decision.

The second acquisition was Choi Won-jun, who received a substantial four-year deal worth up to 4.8 billion KRW. Early on, prospects for Choi were not bright. He posted career-low numbers last season and failed to make a significant rebound after being traded from Kia Tigers to NC Dinos. Nevertheless, KT Wiz bet on his proven athleticism, defensive range, and baserunning skills.
As general manager Na Dohyeon explained, "This move was made to strengthen our center line." KT Wiz made restructuring the outfield its top priority. With the recent signing of catcher Han Seung-taek (four years, up to 1 billion KRW) announced on the 20th, KT Wiz has addressed its weaknesses in backup catcher, left and right field, and center field candidates in a single free agent market.

Within the club, there was a belief that even if Kang Baek-ho was lost, the team could minimize the impact by selecting a compensation player. This aggressive investment in outfield free agents reflects that strategy. As a result, KT Wiz has demonstrated the boldest financial commitment in this Hot Stove League. All three acquisitions fill positions of need within the team structure, which is undoubtedly a positive.
The fact that the combination of Hyun-soo Kim and Choi Won-jun has successfully filled the outfield production gap left by Kang Baek-ho's departure as a free agent is significant. Additionally, KT Wiz is well positioned to benefit from the compensation player selection for Kang Baek-ho. Since Kang is an A-level free agent, Hanwha Eagles will have to offer several players who can contribute immediately.


However, there are also critical perspectives. Some view KT Wiz's moves as 'panic buying,' arguing that these players do not warrant such aggressive deals and that the club acted recklessly after failing to sign Park Chan-ho and others.
In particular, many believe that Choi Won-jun and Han Seung-taek could have been acquired for much less. While this may be seen as a calculated bold investment, it could also be perceived as a gamble. What is clear is that KT Wiz has completed its 'calculated gamble,' and the results will be revealed in the 2026 season.


jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter