“(If we didn’t make the postseason), everything would have to be different. “Actions must come before words.”
Catcher Kim Tae-gun, who signed a multi-year contract with the KIA Tigers, delivered a clear message to the players.
Taegun Kim, who was selected by the LG Twins with the 17th overall pick in the 2nd 3rd round in 2008, went through the NC Dinos and Samsung Lions. He has been playing in KIA through a trade since last July, and until the game on the 17th, he had a batting average of 0.248 (727 hits in 2,931 at-bats), 25 home runs, and 301 RBI in 1,294 professional games.
KIA, who missed Park Dong-won (LG) this off-season and had a gap in the starting catcher position early this year, continued to send love calls to Kim Tae-gun, and eventually signed him to a multi-year contract on the 16th when he becomes eligible for free agency at the end of this season. succeded. The terms of the contract are a total of 2.5 billion won, including an annual salary of 2 billion won and an option of 500 million won, over a three-year period.
Kim Tae-gun, whom we met after signing the contract, expressed his thoughts, saying, “Ever since I first came (to KIA) through a trade, I thought they were the last team, so I was able to sign a contract.”
A feature of this contract is the option. KIA General Manager Shim Jae-hak, whom we met on this day, said, “It is difficult to reveal the details, but Kim Tae-gun will have to work really hard to take the option.”
Taegun Kim said, “It is a large amount. It may be weak compared to catchers on other teams, but it is a lot of money for me. “Depending on how we prepare and produce results from now on, I think it can be a stepping stone to move forward and grow one step further three years from now,” he said, pledging to do well in the future.
Kim Tae-gun, who joined KIA through a trade in the middle of this season, immediately took over as the starting homemaker. However, it was not easy for him to adapt.
Taegun Kim said, “This year, since I joined in July, there were some shortcomings 토토사이트(such as basic chemistry with pitchers). “I think he’s going to have to get those things right,” he said.
So far this season, Taegun Kim has performed well, posting a batting average of 0.254 (78 hits in 307 at-bats), 1 home run, and 40 RBIs. However, despite his performance, KIA was unable to advance to the fall baseball season. The main cause was injuries to key players.
Taegun Kim said, “It’s unfortunate. All the players played hard, but it was heartbreaking. “I am also in my 16th year of baseball, and I think this year is the first time we have competed for rankings over 140 games,” he said. “I would like to applaud the entire team.” “I think it was hopeful that we were able to fight until the end, even though key players were missing,” he said, nodding his head.
However, Kim Tae-gun still delivered a clear message to the players. He said, “It seems that (the team atmosphere) has become much more flexible than when I saw (the KIA club) from the outside in the past. When I came through a trade, things like MZ and free spirit did not work for me with young players. “I told him to take care of it,” he said. “I think players who are nervous after hearing the news of my contract will be nervous and manly players will approach me more.”
Taegun Kim continued, “To be a professional player, you need to be able to reduce your self-expression and control your emotions. He can’t decide how long he will come and go from the baseball field. He said, “If you come to the first team, you have to behave appropriately, and if you don’t, the manager, coach, or club will take action.” “Those aspects need to be pointed out precisely,” he said.
He continued, “(If we fail to advance to the postseason) we have to change in every way. (KIA) is the best professional sports team in Korea. “I feel bad for not being able to go to the postseason,” he said. “If you want to make a difference, you can’t just do interviews and words.” Actions must come before words. “It must clearly change,” he emphasized.
Lastly, Taegun Kim also promised his performance. He said, “It definitely has to look different than this year. “I will try to aim for .300,” he said. “I also realized how to survive in the pros. “I will prepare well in the future,” he said, adding strength to his voice.