Foreign Roster Finalized, Choi Hyoung-woo's Return Imminent, and a Bullpen Free Agent? Samsung's Clock Points to a 2026 Championship Run

[Financial News] The Samsung Lions’ offseason moves are progressing faster than ever. Their goal is clear: to win the unified championship in the 2026 season. Ace pitcher Won Tae-in’s statement, 'We are now a win-now team,' was not just a declaration but a preview of the club’s determined direction.
After swiftly finalizing their foreign player roster, Samsung is now making aggressive moves to complete the final pieces of the puzzle: bringing back the 'dynasty symbol' Choi Hyoung-woo and strengthening the bullpen with a Free Agent (FA) addition.

Samsung completed its foreign player signings for the 2026 season early. They executed the ideal scenario by re-signing their existing foreign ace and slugger, and bringing in a high-caliber new face. Ace Ariel Jurado re-signed for a total of $1.7 million, and 50-home-run slugger Lewin Díaz inked a $1.6 million deal—both proven assets.
Additionally, they bolstered their starting rotation by signing former Detroit first-round fireballer Matt Manning for $1 million. With the addition of hard-throwing pitcher Yura Miyaji through the Asian quota, their foreign roster is now complete.
One more key card remains: the return of clutch hitter Choi Hyoung-woo. Samsung is reportedly very close to signing Choi after a competitive race with the Kia Tigers. His addition means far more than just acquiring another veteran bat.
Since the end of the 'Samsung dynasty'—when the team won four consecutive unified championships from 2011 to 2014—Samsung has not lifted the trophy again. The timing of Choi Hyoung-woo’s departure from the team coincides with Samsung’s fall from championship contention.

At 42 years old, age is just a number for Choi Hyoung-woo. Last season, he posted a .307 batting average, 24 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a .928 OPS, demonstrating elite hitting skills. If Choi joins the existing core lineup of Koo Ja-wook, Lewin Díaz, Byung-ho Park, and Kim Young-woong, Samsung will boast an unstoppable powerhouse lineup.
Samsung’s focus extends beyond the lineup to strengthening the bullpen. Newly acquired reliever Yura Miyaji is a right-handed fireballer. There are also rumors that Samsung is eyeing left-handed bullpen Free Agent (FA) Beom-su Kim from the external market.
Last season, Samsung’s bullpen struggled due to overuse of its top relievers. Securing a reliable left-handed fireballer is essential for a championship run. As a B-grade FA, Beom-su Kim is an attractive option in terms of compensation, since the 25-man compensation requirement would not be a major loss.

There is a clear reason why Samsung is so committed to the 2026 season. A sense of urgency and crisis looms—if not now, then perhaps never. While the team is currently at its peak, it may not be able to maintain this strength for long.
Key players Koo Ja-wook and Won Tae-in may enter the Free Agent (FA) market after the 2026 season. Considering the salary cap and market conditions, it’s uncertain whether Samsung can keep both and maintain its roster. With the core players in their prime, 2026 is truly the 'golden time' for a championship.

It has been 12 years since Choi Hyoung-woo led the team to its last championship in 2014. To restart the stalled championship clock, Samsung has become the hottest team of the offseason. In 2026, the revitalized Lions are ready to shake up the KBO League once again.


jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter