Hanwha Eagles infielder Noh Si-hwan has agreed to a record-setting long-term deal with the club.
Hanwha said on Feb. 23 that it signed Noh to a non-free agent, multi-year contract on Feb. 22. The deal runs 11 years and is worth 30.7 billion won, including incentives.
The club said it is the longest and largest contract in KBO League history, including both free-agent and non-free agent multi-year deals. The agreement also includes a clause allowing Noh to pursue a move to Major League Baseball via posting after the 2026 season, when he becomes eligible for free agency.
General manager Son Hyuk said Noh is a model player who aims to appear in all 144 games and has developed into a right-handed power hitter representing both the team and the league. Son said the club considered multiple options to respect the player’s goals and treat him as a franchise star, leading to the agreement. He added that he hopes Noh will follow in the footsteps of Jang Jong-hoon and Kim Tae-kyun as a hitter who symbolizes Hanwha.
Noh thanked the club for what he called a historic contract, saying it valued him highly. He also credited fans for their support, saying it played a major role in the deal and in his career so far.
He said he will take on greater responsibility as a franchise player and do his best to help Hanwha establish itself as a top club. Looking ahead to 2026, he said he will work with the manager, coaches and teammates toward the goal of winning the Korean Series.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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