497 billion won combined.
The Hanwha Eagles said Sunday they signed infielder Noh Si-hwan to a non-free-agent, multi-year contract a day earlier. The 11-year deal is worth 30.7 billion won ($307 million) including incentives, the longest and richest contract in KBO League history across both free-agent and non-free-agent agreements.
The club also included a clause allowing Noh to pursue a move to Major League Baseball via the posting system after the 2026 season, as an added motivator. While a long-term deal for Noh had been widely expected, the size exceeded projections, effectively tying him to Hanwha for the long haul.
Hanwha cited Noh’s value as a rare young right-handed power hitter. General manager Son Hyuk said, “Noh Si-hwan is an exemplary player who aims to play all 144 games, and he has grown into a right-handed power hitter who represents not only our team but the league,” explaining the rationale for the deal.
Noh’s production has ranked among the league’s best. Last season he played all 144 games and hit 32 home runs, anchoring Hanwha’s power-heavy lineup. Hanwha moved quickly to secure him before he could reach free agency.
Hanwha also strengthened its lineup by signing Kang Baek-ho in free agency to a four-year, 10 billion won deal. Pairing the right-handed slugger Noh with left-handed power from Kang gives Hanwha more punch.
Kang’s defense has raised questions about his best position, but Hanwha emphasized his bat and plans to use him at designated hitter and first base.
If Kang is used at DH, Chae Eun-seong can play first base. Chae is another key bat, having signed with Hanwha after the 2022 season on a six-year, 9 billion won contract.
With Noh at third and Kang and Chae sharing first base, Hanwha now has what it believes is one of the KBO’s top corner-infield groups. The club expects the arrangement to maximize offense while leaning on Noh’s proven defense and durability.
Attention now turns to whether Hanwha can rebound from last season’s runner-up finish and win its first title in 27 years with this corner-infield core leading the lineup.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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