[Official] It's finally here! Won Tae-in's annual salary contract of KRW 1 billion → 'Preliminary FA' hit the jackpot, and a total of 11 Samsung members announced 'Billion Salary Rankings'

*This content was translated by AI.

"Blue Blood Ace" Samsung Lions' Won Tae-in (26) has fully enjoyed the advantage of becoming a free agent (FA) after the end of the 2026 season, recording an annual salary of 1 billion won for the first time since his debut.

Samsung announced on the afternoon of the 25th that it has completed salary negotiations with 68 players subject to renewal for the 2026 season.

Won Tae-in, who was the biggest interest in the salary negotiations as he became a preliminary FA, signed 1 billion won, an increase of 370 million won (58.7%) from the previous 630 million won. This is the highest increase in the team among those eligible for this renewal.

After Won Tae-in won 15 games in the 2024 season to become the first multi-win king of his career, he recorded 166 ⅔ innings (the most in an individual) and 20 quality starts (QS) in the 2025 season, recording an overwhelming 12 wins, 4 losses and an ERA of 3.24. Won Tae-in, who caught both consistency and symbolism, received the best treatment ahead of the preliminary FA season.

In the rate of increase, Bae Chan-seung, the "second-year left-hander," was unrivaled. Bae Chan-seung, who grew into the core of the bullpen by recording 19 holds as a rookie last year, renewed his contract at 90 million won, a 200% increase from his annual salary of 30 million won, marking the highest increase in the team. Bae Chan-seung's 19th hold is the most in his team along with FA pitcher Kim Tae-hoon (34).

Outfielder Kim Sung-yoon's leap was also fierce. Kim Sung-yoon, who recorded a career high by ranking third in the batting average (0.331) last year, saw his salary rise vertically from 70 million won to 200 million won. Both the increase amount (130 million won) and the increase rate (185.7%) rank second in the team.

Lee Jae-hyun and Kim Young-woong, the core players of Samsung's infield, were also recognized for their value. Lee Jae-hyun, who hit more than 100 hits for three consecutive years, signed a contract of 290 million won (38.1% increase) and was on the verge of breaking 300 million won, while Kim Young-woong, who recorded more than 20 home runs for two consecutive years, hit 220 million won (46.7% increase).

In addition, Lee Ho-sung (100 million won) and Lee Seung-min (105 million won) of the all-weather bullpen, who showed potential as closer pitchers, joined the "billion-won salary" ranks for the first time. Pitcher Yang Chang-seop (85 million won, 77.1% increase rate) and outfielder Park Seung-gyu (80 million won, 53.8%) also finished the contract pleasantly with high increases.

The Samsung Lions, who have concluded the salary negotiations, will be able to focus on the camp with a light heart. The team, which left for Guam, its first training camp, on the 23rd, is continuing its strides toward winning the 2026 season by starting full-fledged technical training and body building.

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*This content was translated by AI.