Na Won-taek, 29, the “college catcher with the most,” who was selected by the Lotte Giants six years ago as a free agent compensation player for Kang Min-ho (38-Samsung Lions), has announced his retirement from active play.
On the 30th, Na Won-taek posted on his SNS, “Hello. I am Na Won-tak, a former professional baseball player. After a meeting with the club, I decided to terminate my contract on May 23rd with an arbitrary termination status.” He announced his retirement.
Na Won-tak, who graduated from Seok Gyo-cho, Se Kwang-joong, Se AD, and Hongik University, is said to be the best catcher in college and was selected by Samsung with the 19th overall pick in the second round of the 2017 rookie draft. However, 안전놀이터 he only hit .217 in 12 games for Samsung in 2017, and was selected as a compensation player for Kang Min-ho in November 2017.
He also struggled in Lotte. He batted .125 in the 2018 season and completed his military service first. In 2021, he switched to the outfield to utilize his strong shoulders, and in the middle of the season, he also took to the mound to try out for a two-hitting role alongside Kim Dae-woo and Na Kyun-an.
However, both the pitcher and the field failed to deliver, and he was eventually retired after batting .167 (8-for-48) in 33 games as a hitter and a KBO record of 12.46 ERA in 10 games as a pitcher without a win or loss.
“I’ve been changing positions to become the player the club needs as an outfielder, first baseman, and pitcher, but I’ve been feeling the pain of not getting results and the regret of being a catcher in the back of my mind,” said Na Won-tak. “I chose to retire from the game before I felt more regret. I will not forget the fans who supported me during my career,” he added.
