MLB posting misfire, why couldn’t Na Sung-beom go to the US?

NC Dinos Na Seongbeom. [연합뉴스]

NC Dinos outfielder Na Seong-beom (32) went to the MLB. I couldn’t sign a contract until the posting deadline.

Last year, Na Seong-beom, who filled the qualifications for overseas expansion, applied for a posting system (private competitive bidding). However, they were unable to sign a contract with any team until the deadline of the 10th, 7am (Korean time).

Initially, Na Seong-beom planned to go to the US after the 2019 season. However, in May of that year, he injured his right knee while playing base base, and delayed a year. Na Seong-beom returned quickly and announced a resurgence with a batting average of 0.324 and 34 home runs and 112 RBIs. Na Sung-beom’s contract with super agent Scott Boras is expected to be easy. Boras emphasized the strength of Na Seong-beom, the ‘5 tool player’. Boras, a giant agent, has drawn large contracts between Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin.

However, the competitiveness of Na Seong-beom evaluated by MLB was lower than expected. In particular, the aftermath of the injury was not small. Na Seong-beom averaged 14.8 bases per year until 2018. However, there were only three this year. The base base ability remained the same, but the number of attempts to steal bases with the burden of injury decreased.

Defensive power also fell significantly compared to the previous year. The shoulders are still strong, but the range of defense has been reduced. The high strikeout rate (25.3%), which was considered a weakness, did not improve. Although the strength and damage were excellent, the range of utilization had to be reduced. The age of 32 was also a stumbling block. It is in contrast to the infielder and young Kim Ha-seong (26) who received high praise.

The viewpoint wasn’t good either. The major league game only played 60 games in the regular season without spectators last year due to Corona 19. The financial deterioration of the clubs is serious. Many clubs fired their employees. Naturally, the FA (free agent) market also froze. Big FAs such as Trevor Bauer, George Springer, JT Real Muto and DJ Le Mayhew have not yet signed a contract.

US media Traderumers.com pointed out that “the market situation this winter seems to be difficult, and Na Seong-beom has a lot of uncertainty because the clubs are interested. The 30-day posting period was also unfavorable amid the slow free agency market.”

Na Seong-beom said, “If it’s not unfortunate, it would be a lie, but there is no big regret.” He said, “I think there will be another opportunity.” When Na Seong-beom finishes this season, he becomes a free agent and can again challenge himself to the US.

Na Seong-beom’s stay is expected to be a big help for the NC team, which is challenging to win for two consecutive years. This is because Na Seong-beom’s presence in the team is so great that NC coach Dong-wook Lee said, “Na Sung-beom is Na Sung-beom. There is no player to replace him.” NC, who successfully renewed the contract with Drew Luchinsky and Aaron Altair, will play this season without power leakage. Na Sung-beom vowed, “I will do my best to win the 2021 season team.”

Reporter Kim Hyo-kyung [email protected]