“I will run with the mindset that I will do well.”
After many twists and turns, Lee Myung-gi (36), who found a new nest, was determined in his voice. There was no time to discuss the annual salary or express regret to him, who was driven to the crisis of ‘FA (free agent) missing’. He only repeatedly emphasized that he would do his best with the attitude of taking the lead in the new team and the attitude of Baek Ui-jong.
On the 14th, the NC Dinos traded free agent Lee Myung-ki and catcher Lee Jae-yong on the condition that they receive infielder Cho Hyun-jin from Hanwha and the right to pick in the 7th round of the 2024 rookie draft (61st overall). After signing a free agency contract with Lee Myung-gi for a year, up to 100 million won (annual salary of 50 million won, an option of 50 million won), he traded to Hanwha.
Lee Myung-gi declared free agency after last season, but was driven to the crisis of ‘missing the FA’ by not finding his team until February. It was because of his considerable age and recent sluggishness. In the summer of 2021, Lee Myung-ki, who blew the entire second half due to disciplinary action for violating quarantine guidelines, did not perform well even in the 2022 season when he joined late. Last year, Lee Myung-gi only posted a batting average of 0.260 and 23 RBIs in 94 games.
Lee Myung-gi’s FA grade was C grade, which required only compensation of 150% of the previous year’s annual salary without compensation players. Still, the contract was not easy. He was burdened with bringing in a high-paid employee who had an annual salary of 175 million won the previous year by giving him a compensation amounting to 262.5 million won. To make matters worse, the original team NC also declared that the contract with Lee Myung-ki was impossible early on, and Lee Myung-gi’s destination was in the fog.
A crisis that could end the player’s life. Lee Myung-gi devoted himself to off-season personal training with a determined will, “I don’t think about salary or conditions,” but as time passed, he was forced to become anxious. With his retirement, he had to think about a different life, but his mind was shaken.
Fortunately, Hanwha reached out a hand. Lee Myung-gi entered the radar of Hanwha, which was eager to strengthen its power this winter, and after long negotiations, Lee Myung-ki was embraced through a sign-and-trade. Lee Myung-gi managed to escape from the ‘FA lost child’ crisis.
In a phone interview with this magazine after signing the contract, Lee Myung-gi said, “I’ve had a lot of trouble, but I’m glad that it was resolved well. The team was hard to find. I am grateful to Hanwha for reaching out. I will do my best this season with the mindset that I will do well.” 온라인바카라
The annual salary is 50 million won (excluding options), a decrease of 100 million won from the previous 175 million won. It’s shabby compared to the amount that once rose to 250 million won, but it’s been a long time since I’ve already erased the salary or conditions in my head. Lee Myung-gi said, “I am grateful just to continue my career as a player. I realized once again how precious it is to wear a uniform.”
Lee Myung-gi added, “I will work hard by taking the lead.” He said, “There are many young players in Hanwha.
Lastly, he said, “I remember that there was always a lot of passionate support from fans whenever we played away games in Daejeon. I will receive that energy well and win as many times as possible so that the fans can leave in a good mood.”