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| Yu Hee-gwan (left) and Lee Yong-chan. /Photo = Provided by Doosan Bears |
With Cha Woo-chan (34) signing the LG Twins, only two of the 2021 free agent (free agent) members Yu Hee-kwan (35) and Lee Yong-chan (32) remain. Looking at the atmosphere, there is still a long way to go to a conclusion. Above all, the contract period is a problem.
An official from Doosan explained to Star News on the 3rd, “We met on January 31st, and we have not yet scheduled a meeting in February. We will keep in touch and set a date. The period is an issue. We are not finding contact.” . He then revealed the current situation, saying, “There is no deadline for negotiations.”
Initially, Doosan made a plan to conclude a contract with Yu Hee-gwan and Lee Yong-chan within January. But it didn’t go as intended. It’s already February, but it’s impossible to predict when it will be concluded.
The two situations are different. In the case of Lee Yong-chan, since he had an elbow ligament surgery (Tomy John’s operation), he cannot be with him from the start of the 2021 season. The player’s side believes it is possible to return in May, but considering that he underwent surgery in June last year, it is less than a year ago. In general, the rehabilitation period of the pitcher’s ligament joint surgery is more than 1 year. The club has doubts.
Lee Yong-chan’s position is to reduce the guarantee and accept contracts that include many options. I made this point clear from the start of the negotiations. It’s okay so far, but there are differences in thoughts in detail.
In the case of Yu Hee-gwan, the problem is that the 2020 season was sluggish. 27 matches 136⅓innings, 10-11, and an average ERA of 5.02. Earlier in 2018, he had 141 innings in 29 games, 10-10 losses, and an average ERA of 6.70.
Two of the last three years have been sluggish. This includes the most recent 2020 season. As a result, the’future value’ fell. It also takes us that we are 36 years old. Although she showed consistency, a question mark was added asking,’Is it possible to do well in the future?’ This is why it is difficult to guarantee a long period.
A Doosan official said, “There is no contract deadline. Both Yoo Hee-gwan and Lee Yong-chan are constantly exercising. They are constantly checking. They are in contact with the agent. There are only the two left, so it feels like something is moving towards us. Let’s finish it well. I will.”