He was gifted the biggest fish in the free-agent market upon assuming the managerial post, but he's still hungry. The new skipper really needs the in-house free-agent pitching duo of Lee Young-ha and Choi Won-joon at this moment.
Doosan Bears manager Kim Won-hyung said at the "2025 gathering of the bears" held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 23rd that when asked by reporters if there was anything he wanted from the front office at this time, "I hope the existing free agents sign quickly."
Doosan released a total of four players to the market as the stove league opened. Pitchers Lee Young-ha and Choi Won-joon and outfielder Cho Soo-haeng all exercised their right to free agency for the first time in their careers, and pitcher Hong Geon-hee declared an opt-out after giving up 1.5 billion won of remaining salary, deciding to part ways with Doosan. Kim Jae-hwan, the "Jamsil slugger," who seemed likely to file for free agency for the second time, after discussing with the club did not exercise his right.
As of the afternoon of the 23rd, Doosan's stove league achievements total two players. On the morning of the 18th, they signed Park Chan-ho, called the top free agent, to a four-year deal worth up to 8 billion won (signing bonus 5 billion, total salaries 2.8 billion, incentives 200 million). It was the market's first free-agent contract. Struggling to find a shortstop since Kim Jae-ho's retirement, Doosan poured extraordinary care into welcoming a top-tier Golden Glove shortstop, preparing six uniforms bearing Park Chan-ho's name as soon as the market opened.
The second free-agent contract also went to Doosan. On the afternoon of the 18th, they retained former stolen-base king Cho Soo-haeng, a great base stealer, on a four-year deal worth up to 1.6 billion won (signing bonus 600 million, total salaries 800 million, incentives 200 million), investing 9.6 billion won in player contracts that day alone.
Doosan is targeting the free-agent market with a two-track strategy. While entering the bidding for the remaining top prize Kim Hyun-soo, they are concentrating all efforts on retaining versatile pitchers Lee Young-ha and Choi Won-joon, who can start and relieve.
The new skipper, who called for restoring the proud franchise, is focused on in-house free agents. It would be ideal if Park Chan-ho and Kim Hyun-soo were also acquired, but while planning next year's mound strength at the winter camp, he concluded that Lee Young-ha and Choi Won-joon are absolutely necessary.
Kim Won-hyung said, "I talked about in-house free agents since the inauguration ceremony, and I know the club is still working on it," and added, "Pitchers tend to have a bit more influence in baseball. Of course the batting order and defense are important, but the most important thing is the pitchers. I hope the existing players (Lee Young-ha, Choi Won-joon) sign quickly."
Both Choi Won-joon and Lee Young-ha were first-round draft picks of the club. Choi Won-joon once recorded double-digit wins in two consecutive years and served as a native ace before recently switching to the bullpen, dedicating himself to the team as an all-around contributor. He has a great work ethic and prioritizes the team over himself.
Lee Young-ha is a tall fireballer who throws heavy fastballs and made his name as a 17-win ace during Doosan's dynasty. Though he became a bullpen arm a few years ago, he is a versatile pitcher capable of starting, relieving and closing. He boasts abundant experience with 355 first-team games and 802 1/3 innings.
Kim Won-hyung said, "Actually, the club suddenly signed Park Chan-ho, and I'm grateful to have received such a great player as a gift for my inauguration. It would of course be good if another external free agent joins the team," but he repeated his request to the front office that "for now it's important to keep this roster intact. That's what I've thought since the inauguration."
That view matched that of Park Chan-ho, who became a Doosan man through a blockbuster free-agent contract. On the 23rd Park Chan-ho said, "My only goal is the championship. I'll take the lead and work hard to bring back Hustle Do." He emphasized the need for Lee Young-ha and Choi Won-joon, saying, "If the in-house free-agent pitchers stay, I think we can definitely aim for a championship. We have to win before senior Yang Ui-ji leaves."
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