[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seong-yeol] Free agent (FA) An Chi-hong (30) has left Kia and settled with Lotte.
On the 6th, the Lotte Giants officially announced, "We have signed a 2-year FA contract with infielder An Chi-hong worth up to 2.6 billion KRW." This includes a signing bonus of 1.42 billion KRW, a total annual salary of 580 million KRW, and options and buyout totaling 600 million KRW.
According to the contract terms, in 2022 there is a mutual contract extension clause between the club and the player for 2 years, up to 3.1 billion KRW. If extended, the contract could last up to 4 years with a total value of 5.6 billion KRW.
Under this clause, if the club opts for an extension, the player is given the choice to either extend the contract or become an FA. Additionally, the club is not obligated to extend the contract after 2 years; in such a case, the club pays the player a buyout of 100 million KRW, and the player becomes an FA.
With this, An Chi-hong will leave Kia, where he played for 11 years.
Having joined Kia in 2009, An Chi-hong has recorded a .300 batting average, 100 home runs, and 586 RBIs over 1,124 games in 10 KBO seasons. Notably, he has been a starting player since his debut, earning three Golden Glove awards and winning the Korean Series twice as a veteran.
The Lotte club stated, "By acquiring An Chi-hong, a proven second baseman in the league, we believe we can strengthen the batting lineup and establish a fierce competitive system in the infield." They added, "Through a reasonable contract, both the club and the player will strive for better results and show fans games that never give up."
An Chi-hong expressed, "I am grateful to the Kia Tigers fans and club officials who have shown me great affection. This was a decision made after much contemplation, and above all, the thought of embarking on a new challenge kept me awake at night." He continued, "I will do my best to repay the trust Lotte has shown me and become a player who can receive the passionate love of Lotte fans."
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