![Na Seong-beom, a professional baseball NC Dinos, has missed out on entering the major leagues. Returning to NC, he plans to challenge again next year when he becomes a free agent. [뉴스1]](https://i0.wp.com/pds.joins.com/news/component/htmlphoto_mmdata/202101/11/fdc28be1-637a-4c14-8000-c680278a0d5a.jpg?w=560&ssl=1)
Na Seong-beom, a professional baseball NC Dinos, has missed out on entering the major leagues. Returning to NC, he plans to challenge again next year when he becomes a free agent. [뉴스1]
Na Seong-beom (32), a professional baseball NC Dinos outfielder, has missed out on entering the MLB.
Failure to enter the major leagues, contract with NC
Injury, corona, etc.
There are also a number of local heavy-duty FAs that could not be signed
The local atmosphere is cold, Yang Hyeonjong is also in trouble
Last year, Na Seong-beom, who filled the qualifications for overseas expansion, applied for a post (private competitive bidding) to advance into the MLB. They were unable to sign a contract with any team until the deadline of the 10th at 7am (Korean time).
Na Seong-beom originally planned to enter the US immediately after the 2019 season. But in May of that year, he injured his right knee while playing a base base, and delayed the challenge for a year. Na Seong-beom revived last year with a batting average of 0.324 and 34 home runs and 112 RBIs. The trip to the U.S. seemed to be okay because I had partnered with’Super Agent’ Scott Boras. Boras has drawn large contracts between Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin. Boras emphasized his strength of being a’five-tool player’ (a player who has all of his batting power, contact, speed, defense, and throw ability).
The competitiveness of Na Seong-beom evaluated by MLB did not meet expectations. In particular, the aftermath of the injury had a big impact. Na Seong-beom recorded an average of 14.8 bases per year until 2018. Last year, there were only three. He retained his base ability, but reduced his attempts at stealing base because of concerns about injury. Defensive power was also lower than in previous years. The shoulders are still strong, but the range of defense is reduced. The high strikeout rate (25.3%), which was considered a weakness, did not improve. Even if the power and hit are excellent, the range of utilization is bound to decrease. The age of 32 was also a stumbling block. This contrasts with the infielder and young Kim Ha-seong (26) who received high praise.
The viewpoint wasn’t good either. MLB played 60 games per team during the regular season last year without spectators due to the influence of Corona 19. The club’s financial deterioration is serious. Many clubs have cut the number of employees by firing. The free agent market also froze. Trevor Bauer, George Springer, JT Real Muto, DJ Le Mayhew, and other major free agents have not been able to sign contracts. US media Traderumers.com said, “The market situation is not good this winter. Since the clubs are interested, Seongbeom Na has a lot of uncertainty. “Amid the slow progression of the FA market, the 30-day posting period was also unfavorable.”
Na Seongbeom said, “If it’s not sad, it would be a lie, but there is no big regret. I think there will be another opportunity.” Na Seong-beom becomes a free agent shortly after this season. You can try again for America.
In the case of Yang Hyeon-jong (33) of the KIA Tigers who dreams of entering the US, there is no movement of the clubs. A long battle is expected. Yang Hyeon-jong, who played the most consistently among KBO league pitchers, came out last year in 31 games (172 and 1/3 innings) and fell 11-10 with an ERA of 4.70. There has not been any news from the US related to Yang Hyeon-jong yet.
Given the Japanese pitcher’s MLB contract situation, it is hard to be optimistic about Yang Hyun-jong’s advance. Yomiuri Giants ace Sugano Tomoyuki (32) is a good comparison case. Sugano was evaluated as a third-tier in the MLB. Six teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres, negotiated. However, he couldn’t sign a contract, and he remained in the original team Yomiuri for 4 years for 40 million dollars (45 billion won). It means that there was no team that offered more conditions. Arihara Kohei (Texas Rangers), the only company to confirm the MLB, has a contract term of only $6.2 million in two years.
The advantage of Yang Hyeon-jong is that it is an FA. There is no transfer fee (about 20% of the contract amount), and there is no deadline. Yang Hyeon-jong’s side believes that it will consider and decide the terms of the contract until the end of this month. Salary is also important, but he is considering whether he will be able to establish himself in the big leagues, such as the right to veto minors. If it ends up being misfired, it is highly likely to remain in the KIA.
Reporter Kim Hyo-kyung [email protected]