*This content was translated by AI.
Samsung Lions' 'Baby Lion' Lee Ho-sung (22) has finally joined the 'billion dollar ransom' ranks. It's not just the annual salary increase. It is even more meaningful in that even veteran players in the team gathered together to acknowledge his dedication.
On the 25th, the Samsung Lions announced the results of their annual salary contracts with 68 people eligible for renewal in the 2026 season. One of the most eye-catching names was by far pitcher Lee Ho-sung. Lee Ho-sung recorded his first annual salary of 100 million won since his debut, up 150 percent from 40 million won last season. Lee Ho-sung, who wore a Samsung uniform ahead of the 2023 season, entered a billion-dollar salary ahead of his fourth season.
This is the highest increase in the number of pitchers in the team. It is Lee Ho-sung, who recorded the second highest figure after left-hander Bae Chan-seung (20), who recorded a 200% increase rate among pitchers.
In fact, the news of Lee Ho-sung's entry into the billion-dollar annual salary was also a hot topic at the "Kang Restaurant 3" fan event held on the 10th. In a chat among players, a veteran player asked Lee Ho-sung whether he would sign a contract and the player answered directly, revealing the contract amount. In response, a veteran infielder nodded and left a compliment, saying, "Hosung (Lee) played that much in the 2025 season and did bad things regardless of his position."
In fact, it is evaluated that Lee Ho-sung's salary success was already a predicted result. In the last 2025 season, Lee Ho-sung was like the "salt" of Samsung's bullpen. Lee Ho-sung, who recorded 7 wins, 4 losses, 9 saves and 3 holds in 58 games this season, was somewhat higher with a 6.34 ERA. However, when Kim Jae-yoon was shaken in the middle of the season, he took charge of the back door, acting as a temporary firefighter, and when necessary, he took the mound like a yardstick.
In particular, his performance in fall baseball was a highlight. He took the mound in seven games from the wild card game to the playoffs and led Samsung's postseason run with a "no-go streak" in six ⅔ innings without giving up a single point. The 150-kilometer-long fastball and gutsy pitch were enough to give Samsung fans hope for "Post Oh Seung-hwan." Thanks to this performance, he even had the honor of being selected as a member of the national team that played the K-baseball series.
Lee Ho-sung, who has embraced the joy of his first billion-dollar annual salary, now looks to the higher place. As Samsung has been on a rollercoaster ride due to bullpen difficulties in the 2025 season, it is hoped that Lee Ho-sung, who has grown further in the 2026 season, will play a key role in the must-win group.
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*This content was translated by AI.
