KT Wiz's franchise star Kang Baek-ho (26) faces an FA challenge season with an unprecedented salary increase.

KT signed Kang Baek-ho to an annual salary contract for the 2024 season for 700 million won. This is an increase of 141.4 percent from 290 million won in the previous year, which is the highest increase rate and highest increase in the club's history.메이저사이트

Last season, he played in all games for the first time since his debut, posting a batting average of 0.289, 26 homers, 96 RBIs and an OPS of 0.840. This was a rebound that completely shook off the past two years of tough times due to injury and sluggishness. However, his performance this time far exceeds the general practice of renewing his contract.

The deal is interpreted as a strategic choice between the club and its players. From KT's perspective, it can be seen as a stepping stone for Kang Baek-ho, the club's best franchise star, to stay. Kang, who is the first rookie of the year and has high marketing value, has an unrivaled presence in the club.

This season is also expected to be an important turning point for Kang. Ahead of his acquisition as a free agent, Kang will have to shoulder even greater burden as his salary has increased. An annual salary of 700 million won is a new standard of at least 1.4 billion won for free agent transfer, which will lead to the task of proving his value in the free agent market.

Kang must overcome his slump in 2022-2023 and continue his rebound last year. Accepting the drastic salary increase, Kang's choice is seen as an expression of his strong will to prove his value. The league is paying keen attention to how his challenge will come to fruition this season.