Free agent contract for 2+1 years worth 2.5 billion won
Noh Kyung-eun (40, SSG, photo), the oldest hold king in professional baseball, will play for up to three more years. SSG announced on the 22nd, “We have signed a free agent (FA) contract with Noh Kyeong-eun for a contract period of 2+1 years and a total of 2.5 billion won (down payment of 300 million won, total annual salary of 1.3 billion won, and options of 900 million won).”
This season, Noh Kyung-eun appeared in 77 games, the most since her debut, and recorded 38 holds (8 wins, 5 losses), becoming the holds king. In Korean professional baseball, Noh Kyung-eun is the first pitcher and batter to win a title in his 40s. Noh Kyung-eun recorded more than 30 holds for the second consecutive year, following last season (30 holds). This is also a first in Korean professional baseball. His 77 appearances on the mound is tied for the most appearances this season along with Byung-hun Lee (21, Doosan).
Noh Kyung-eun, who was drafted in the first round of the 2003 rookie draft and joined Doosan, qualified as a free agent at the end of the 2018 season when he was with Lotte, but failed to sign a contract and spent the entire year of 2019 without a team. He returned to Lotte in 2020, but was released after the 2021 season and wore the SSG uniform after a tryout. At SSG, he appeared in 194 games over the three years until this year, recording 29 wins, 15 losses, 75 holds, and an ERA of 3.18. Noh Kyung-eun said, “I would like to first say sorry to the fans who waited a long time during the negotiation period. “I’m happy to be able to remain at a club where I have good memories as a player,” he said.
Reporter Kang Hong-gu [email protected]
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How can Noh Kyung-eun’s success influence the development of younger players in the league?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Baseball Expert on Noh Kyung-eun’s Historic Contract
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to this special segment of Time.news. Today, we have a deep dive into the recent contract signed by Noh Kyung-eun, the oldest ‘holds king’ in Korean professional baseball. With us is Dr. Han Lee, a renowned sports analyst and expert in baseball dynamics. Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Han Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an exciting topic.
Editor: Noh Kyung-eun’s new contract is quite a significant one – a 2+1 years deal worth approximately 2.5 billion won. What does this contract represent for Noh and for professional baseball in Korea?
Dr. Lee: This contract is monumental, not only for Noh but for the entire league. At 40, Noh Kyung-eun is still excelling on the mound — he recorded 38 holds this past season, an impressive feat. His success at this age challenges the traditional narrative that baseball players peak in their early 30s. It highlights the evolving nature of player longevity and performance.
Editor: You mentioned ‘holds’ as a performance metric. For our readers who may not be familiar, can you explain what this means and why it’s important?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely! A ‘hold’ is awarded to a relief pitcher who enters the game in a save situation, records at least one out, and leaves the game before a teammate earns a save. It is an indicator of a pitcher’s ability to maintain a lead, and having 38 holds is quite an achievement — it shows that he plays a crucial role in game strategy and success for his team.
Editor: Noh had a turbulent career, especially with his free agency struggles during 2019. How do you think his past experiences have shaped his current performance?
Dr. Lee: Resilience is key here. After spending a year without a team and facing challenges with his previous clubs, Noh’s return to form demonstrates his tenacity. The adversity he faced likely deepened his appreciation for the game and his current role. It’s a classic story of redemption; his success now serves as motivation for younger players.
Editor: His contract also includes an option for a third year. What does that say about SSG’s investment in him?
Dr. Lee: Including a third-year option with significant financial backing highlights SSG’s belief in his abilities and contribution to the team. It suggests they see him not just as a player, but as a mentor for younger talent. His experience and performance are invaluable assets, especially as teams strategize for the future.
Editor: Noh commented during the announcement that he’s happy to remain with a club where he has good memories. Why is player sentiment important in professional sports?
Dr. Lee: Player morale can significantly impact performance. When athletes feel a sense of belonging and appreciation, it enhances their commitment and, consequently, their play. This emotional connection can create a positive feedback loop, elevating both player performance and team chemistry. Noh’s attachment to SSG indicates that he feels valued; that contributes to his motivation to perform at his best.
Editor: Lastly, what do you think Noh Kyung-eun’s case signifies for the future of older players in sports?
Dr. Lee: Noh’s journey could pave the way for more acceptance of aging athletes in competitive sports, especially in baseball, where skill can often outweigh age. It opens the door for teams to reconsider how they evaluate player potential, suggesting that with the right training, recovery, and mental resilience, athletes can continue to compete at a high level well into their 30s and 40s.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights! Noh Kyung-eun’s story is inspiring and a testament to perseverance in the realm of sports.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how his journey unfolds in the coming years.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for tuning in! Stay with us for more insights and stories from the world of sports.