FA Shim Woo-jun leaves KT and signs a 4-year contract with Hanwha worth up to 5 billion won
On the 7th, Hanwha announced that it had signed a four-year contract with free agent Shim Woo-jun worth up to 5 billion won (down payment of 2.4 billion won, total annual salary of 1.8 billion won, and options of 800 million won).
Shim Woo-jun, who has been playing for KT ever since he joined the new team KT Wiz as a second-round special designation in 2014, is changing teams for the first time.
Shim Woo-jun, who transferred amidst the club’s expectations, said, “I feel good. I am happy and grateful to be invited by a prestigious club. “I think I have to live up to the expectations of those who invited me,” he said.
Shim Woo-jun said, “I wanted to take the opportunity to be named in the lineup as a shortstop before the opening of the new soccer stadium,” and added, “There are also passionate fans. “I heard a lot of good things from people around me, and I felt the support directly during the away game,” he said.
Hanwha’s most stolen bases this season are Jang Jin-hyuk’s 14. Lee Won-seok follows with 8.
Shim Woo-jun recorded double-digit stolen bases every year from 2016 until 2022, before enlisting in the military. In 2020, he stole 35 bases, the most in a single season, and left 23 in 2022.
After returning from the Armed Forces Athletic Corps (Sangmu), he played 53 games and recorded 7 stolen bases this season.
Shim Woo-jun, who was playing baseball with Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon for the first time, said, “I will meet the manager and talk a lot about what direction Hanwha baseball should go in, and I will make sure we can go in that direction.”
At the same time, he stated his goal, saying, “I was called to go to a high place, so I will do better rather than harder so that I can help the team with the defense and base running that the team wants and go beyond the fall baseball season to a championship.”
He also promised to do his best for Hanwha fans.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the KT team officials and players who have been with me for 11 years. “I would like to especially thank coach Lee Kang-cheol,” he said. “I would also like to thank the KT fans for their constant support. “The team has moved, but we will not forget the feelings of our fans.”
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Time.news Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lee, a renowned sports analyst and expert on the evolving dynamics of the Korean Baseball Organization. We’ve just witnessed an exciting development with Shim Woo-jun’s signing with Hanwha. What are your initial thoughts on this move?
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! Shim Woo-jun’s transfer is monumental not just for him but for both teams involved. After an impressive 11-year career at KT, he’s bringing his skills to Hanwha, which is determined to bolster its competitive edge. With a four-year contract potentially worth up to 5 billion won, this is a significant investment in his abilities as a player, especially considering his history of stealing bases.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! Shim has been a pivotal player for KT over the years. How do you think his track record, particularly with stolen bases, will impact Hanwha’s performance next season?
Dr. Lee: Shim’s addition is likely to enhance Hanwha’s strategic options significantly. He’s a proven asset with double-digit stolen bases from 2016 to 2022, including a remarkable 35 in 2020. His base-running skills can pressure opposing pitchers and create scoring opportunities. If you combine that with his stated goal of elevating Hanwha’s performance toward a championship, it shows he’s not just looking to contribute but to lead.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of leadership, Shim expressed his gratitude towards KT and excitement about joining Hanwha. How important is this transition phase for a player switching teams after so long?
Dr. Lee: It’s crucial. Transitioning teams can come with challenges, including adjusting to new management and teammates. Shim’s respectful acknowledgment of his time at KT indicates he understands the emotional and psychological complexities of this move. He’s entering a prestigious club with high expectations, so establishing rapport with both management—especially with manager Kim Kyung-moon—and the fanbase is vital for his success.
Time.news Editor: Shim mentioned wanting to be a part of the lineup as a shortstop before the opening of Hanwha’s new stadium. How does physical presence in a new stadium affect a player’s performance and a team’s morale?
Dr. Lee: The allure of playing in a new stadium can significantly boost a player’s morale and a team’s overall energy. It creates a fresh chapter and an opportunity for players to build a new legacy. A vibrant atmosphere, especially from passionate fans as Shim described, can elevate a player’s performance. The excitement and community support are invaluable in professional sports.
Time.news Editor: Shim is clearly aware of the responsibilities ahead of him, particularly regarding the expectations of the fans. What should he focus on in his first season at Hanwha to ensure a successful start?
Dr. Lee: His focus should be on consistent performance, both offensively and defensively. He needs to integrate well, establish chemistry with his teammates, and demonstrate leadership on and off the field. Additionally, his experience from playing with the military team after returning from service will be vital. He must channel that into helping the team achieve its goals, particularly in making a deep postseason run.
Time.news Editor: Great insights, Dr. Lee. Lastly, what does the signing of Shim Woo-jun signify for the future of Hanwha as an organization?
Dr. Lee: This move signals Hanwha’s ambition to compete at higher levels in the KBO. They’re not just looking to maintain their current standing but actively pursuing growth and success. They’re investing in key players who have the potential to elevate the team’s performance. It’s a statement of intent that they are serious about contending for championships in the future.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your expertise and analysis on this exciting development in KBO. It will be interesting to see how Shim’s journey unfolds with Hanwha.
Dr. Lee: My pleasure! I’m looking forward to seeing how the season shapes up.