Combined total of 49.7 billion won.
The Hanwha Eagles announced on the 23rd that they have signed infielder Noh Si-hwan to a multi-year contract, which is not a free agent deal. The contract spans 11 years and totals 3.07 billion won, making it the longest and largest contract in KBO League history, including both free agent and non-free agent agreements. Additionally, a clause was added allowing Noh to enter Major League Baseball through posting after the 2026 season to motivate him. While expectations for a long-term contract for Noh had been high, the actual figures exceeded predictions, effectively making it a lifetime contract with Hanwha.
Hanwha recognized Noh as a valuable young right-handed power hitter in the league. Hanwha's general manager, Son Hyuk, stated, "Noh Si-hwan is a model player aiming for 144 games, and he has grown into a representative right-handed power hitter for both the team and the league."
Noh's offensive power ranks among the best in the league. Last season, he played in 144 games and hit 32 home runs, leading Hanwha's explosive lineup. This prompted Hanwha to act swiftly before Noh became eligible for free agency.
Moreover, Hanwha also secured Kang Baek-ho during this free agency period, promising him a total of 10 billion won over four years. By adding left-handed power hitter Kang to the existing right-handed power of Noh, Hanwha has strengthened its batting lineup. Although there were questions about Kang's defensive capabilities, Hanwha focused on his hitting skills. The team plans to utilize Kang as a designated hitter and first baseman.
If Kang takes on the designated hitter role, Chae Eun-sung could step in at first base. Chae is also a key player who signed a six-year contract worth 9 billion won with Hanwha after the 2022 season.
With these signings, Hanwha has formed one of the top corner infield trios in the league. With Noh's proven defensive skills at third base and Kang and Chae sharing the defensive responsibilities at first base, the team's offensive power is expected to be maximized.
As Hanwha looks to overcome the disappointment of finishing as runners-up last season, there is growing interest in whether this corner infield trio can lead the team to its first championship in 27 years.
* This article has been translated by AI.
The Hanwha Eagles announced on the 23rd that they have signed infielder Noh Si-hwan to a multi-year contract, which is not a free agent deal. The contract spans 11 years and totals 3.07 billion won, making it the longest and largest contract in KBO League history, including both free agent and non-free agent agreements. Additionally, a clause was added allowing Noh to enter Major League Baseball through posting after the 2026 season to motivate him. While expectations for a long-term contract for Noh had been high, the actual figures exceeded predictions, effectively making it a lifetime contract with Hanwha.
Hanwha recognized Noh as a valuable young right-handed power hitter in the league. Hanwha's general manager, Son Hyuk, stated, "Noh Si-hwan is a model player aiming for 144 games, and he has grown into a representative right-handed power hitter for both the team and the league."
Noh's offensive power ranks among the best in the league. Last season, he played in 144 games and hit 32 home runs, leading Hanwha's explosive lineup. This prompted Hanwha to act swiftly before Noh became eligible for free agency.
Moreover, Hanwha also secured Kang Baek-ho during this free agency period, promising him a total of 10 billion won over four years. By adding left-handed power hitter Kang to the existing right-handed power of Noh, Hanwha has strengthened its batting lineup. Although there were questions about Kang's defensive capabilities, Hanwha focused on his hitting skills. The team plans to utilize Kang as a designated hitter and first baseman.
If Kang takes on the designated hitter role, Chae Eun-sung could step in at first base. Chae is also a key player who signed a six-year contract worth 9 billion won with Hanwha after the 2022 season.
With these signings, Hanwha has formed one of the top corner infield trios in the league. With Noh's proven defensive skills at third base and Kang and Chae sharing the defensive responsibilities at first base, the team's offensive power is expected to be maximized.
As Hanwha looks to overcome the disappointment of finishing as runners-up last season, there is growing interest in whether this corner infield trio can lead the team to its first championship in 27 years.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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