'Salary Adjustment Request' Choi Ji-man Shows Discontent with 'Pouting' Pinocchio Emoticon

Tampa Bay Rays' Choi Ji-man is conducting a video interview with local reporters after the first game of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, held on October 6 (Korean time) at Petco Park in San Diego, California, USA.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Ji-man Choi (30), a Korean infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays who applied for salary arbitration, expressed his dissatisfaction on social media.

On the 17th (Korean time), Choi posted a short video on his Twitter account showing him pouting and shaking his head, followed by an emoji resembling Pinocchio, symbolizing a liar. In response, the local media outlet Tampa Bay Times introduced Choi's salary arbitration process that day, stating, "Choi explained his feelings through Twitter."

The outlet reported, "Among the Tampa Bay players, Ji-man Choi and Ryan Yarbrough failed to reach salary agreements and are heading to arbitration," adding, "The arbitration hearing will be interesting but difficult to handle. Especially, quantifying Choi's defensive contributions will be challenging."

Choi, who earned $800,000 last year, rejected the team's offer of $1.85 million (approximately 2.04 billion KRW) and demanded $2.45 million (approximately 2.7 billion KRW). The two sides failed to find common ground, leading Choi to apply for salary arbitration.

Meanwhile, due to the impact of COVID-19, the last season was shortened to 60 games per team. Choi appeared in 42 games, recording a batting average of .230, 3 home runs, and 16 RBIs. However, he showed strong performance against New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole and helped Tampa Bay reach the World Series in the postseason with a batting average of .250 and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.837.

The media added, "Choi's agent has refrained from commenting on this decision."