Kia’s FA negotiation strategy, in which An Chi-hong emerged four years ago… Kim Sun-bin, a “franchise star,” decides to break up?

I don’t mean it, but it is a shocking remark. It is all the more so because it is far from the message that says it is a warm wind. Kim Sun-bin (34), who exercised his second right to be a free agent, and his original team, the KIA Tigers, are showing unusual atmosphere. Indeed, there were criticisms that he would play for another club even if he received a lower salary.

It is natural for teams and players to engage in a tug-of-war over contract size and duration in FA negotiations. However, the temperature difference between the two sides is too wide. “We are narrowing the gap. The mood is good,” said Shim Jae-hak, Kia’s general manager. As Shim Jae-hak and Kim Sun-bin had a meal together last month, the argument that they are narrowing their differences sounded more persuasive.

“As far as FA is concerned, it is difficult (by convention) to tell you. I will tell you after the official announcement,” said agent Kim Sun-bin, declining to comment. Looking at the two sides alone, it seems that they will find a consensus soon.

However, people in the industry and his aides, who are well aware of the situation, have different views. In summary, the contract period and amount that Kia offered for the first time in its history are a level that disregarded the player’s self-esteem.

In particular, opinions were gathered that the club’s contract terms and attitude at the negotiation table did not seem willing to catch Kim Sun-bin. It is also openly said that “KIA is watching the market conditions of Kang Han-ul, Kim Min-sung, and Seo Geon-chang, infielder FA.”

Rumors spread the fastest to a player. Kim, who has a unique affection for the Tigers, might feel sorry for him. “I want to play for another team even if I get a lower salary,” is also an expression of regret. That is inevitable.

While serving as the “captain” this season, Kim played 119 games and posted a batting average of 0.32. He struggled as a .300 hitter and a key second baseman this season when there were many injuries. He has been consistent over the past four years. 슬롯머신

In the 2020-2023 season, Kim has a batting average of 0.308 over the four seasons, and he ranks first in the batting average among hitters who have played the standard number of times at bat during the period. He has shown particular brilliance in scoring capacity, posting a batting average of 0.313, and a batting average of 0.462 (24 hits in 52 times at bat) over the past four years.

He is famous for quietly taking care of his juniors without revealing himself through quiet leadership even in the dugout and the locker room. Kim’s presence in KIA is more than just performance.

Just by looking at the atmosphere, the situation from four years ago overlaps. At that time, Kia lost An Chi-hong, who exercised his first right to become a free agent. While expressing nuance that he would have nowhere to take him during the negotiation process, he was caught by Lotte’s surprise recruitment. The fans’ anger was only natural.

It was also the aftermath that Kim Sun-bin, who declared a FA together, signed a four-year contract worth 4 billion won (1.6 billion won in down payment, 450 million won in annual salary, and 600 million won in options).

However, some say that Kim, who has been the most consistent player since four years has passed, will recreate the strategy he had to Ahn Chi-hong four years ago. The terms of Kim’s second FA contract, which this newspaper has identified, have significantly reduced the contract period, total amount, annual salary, and down payment.

Ahn Chi-hong hit the jackpot with Hanwha for up to 7.2 billion won (option of 800 million won) for 4+2 years. Lotte made efforts to preserve the symbolism by guaranteeing Jeon Joon-woo, 37, a franchise star, for a four-year total of 4.7 billion won (option of 700 million won) and training as an overseas leader.

“I don’t think the player was satisfied with the conditions proposed by the team. Nevertheless, our team is still determined to secure Kim Sun-bin,” said Shim Jae-hak, Kia’s general manager, in a telephone interview with this newspaper on Monday.