For Choi Ji-man (32), 2023 has become the year to succeed in ‘hunting three rabbits at the same time’.
MLB.com reported on the 14th (Korean time) that the Pittsburgh Pirates and Choi Ji-man had not completed negotiations until the salary agreement deadline.
If the agreement between the two sides fails, Choi Ji-man will apply for an annual salary adjustment two years after 2021.
Choi Ji-man played a role as the main first baseman when the team advanced to the World Series in 2020 during the Tampa Bay Race. After the season, there was a difference of opinion with the club over the salary, so he applied for an annual salary adjustment. At the time, the club set 1.85 million dollars (about 2.3 billion won), but Choi Ji-man won by offering 2.45 million dollars (about 3 billion won). 메이저놀이터
Choi Ji-man’s annual salary last year was 3.2 million dollars (about 4 billion won). The local salary this season is expected to be 4.5 million dollars (approximately 5.6 billion won). He’s about doubled in two years.
In November of last year, he was traded from Tampa Bay to Pittsburgh. Bae Ji-hwan is also one pot rice.
However, as Pittsburgh recruited Carlos Santana and Connor Joe one after another, the starting first baseman position is not secure. In the meantime, the possibility of applying for the second salary adjustment in his life increased as he showed a difference in salary with the Pittsburgh club.
Choi Ji-man played 127 games, the most in his career in 2019, recording a career high of 0.822 batting average (107 hits in 410 at-bats), 19 homers, 63 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.822.
However, since 2020, when the shortened season was held, for three consecutive years, it has stayed in the middle of 20% and OPS 70%. Even last year, he had a batting average of 2.3 3 (83 hits in 356 at-bats), 11 homers, 52 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.729. In the first half, he was on the rise with a batting average of 2.7 and 8. However, in the second half, he was only 1.6 and 4.
The reason Choi Ji-man’s annual salary adjustment is attracting more attention is that he hopes to participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March.
WBC participation by an injured player requires the consent of the club. Choi Ji-man is currently recovering from an elbow injury. He won’t finish his rehab until mid-February.
It is only for four seasons, including 2019, that Choi Man-man, who entered the United States immediately after graduating from high school, made the leap to a major league player. This is Choi Ji-man’s first chance to mark Taegeuk. Baseball was excluded from the 2024 Paris Olympics, and it is difficult for active major leaguers to participate in the Asian Games or Premier 12. So it could be your last chance.
If the relationship with the Pittsburgh club deteriorates due to salary adjustments, etc., the club may disallow participation in the WBC.
Also, Choi Ji-man will become a free agent after this season. This salary adjustment application is also his last adjustment before FA.
Will Choi Ji-man be able to catch all three rabbits? At a press conference for his departure, Choi Ji-man revealed his intention to consult with the club on whether to participate in the WBC, saying, “If you do your best, there will be good results.”
