[Official] Kiwoom quashes trade rumors, signs franchise pitcher Ha Young-min to an unprecedented 8-year, 8 billion won non-FA multi-year contract

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes has successfully secured its franchise pitcher Ha Young-min, achieving long-term stability on the mound for the future.

On the 13th at 9 a.m., Kiwoom Heroes officially announced: "We have signed a non-FA multi-year contract with pitcher Ha Young-min for a term of eight years (2027–2034), with a total value of 8 billion won including salary and options (detailed terms undisclosed)."

The contract signing ceremony, held this morning at The Link Seoul Tribute Portfolio Hotel located in Seodaemun-dong, Seoul, was attended by Director Wi Jae-min (CEO), General Manager Heo Seung-pil, Ha Young-min, and his family. The club designated the event's title as "The Unbreakable Hero," honoring Ha's journey to becoming the team's central pitcher through relentless effort and challenges since his professional debut.

This contract represents the largest non-FA multi-year deal actually executed in Kiwoom's franchise history. Although a six-year, 12 billion won contract with posting option was signed with Song Seong-moon in 2025, that agreement was never implemented as Song chose to pursue overseas opportunities through the posting system.

Furthermore, Ha Young-min's contract ranks among the largest non-FA multi-year deals for pitchers in KBO League history. It is the sixth-largest such contract overall, following Ryu Hyun-jin (8 years, 17 billion won), Kim Kwang-hyun (4 years, 15.1 billion won), Chu Chang-mo (7 years, 13.2 billion won), Ko Young-pyo (5 years, 10.7 billion won), and Park Se-woong (5 years, 9 billion won).

Kiwoom's management explained the background: "Based on our mid-to-long-term team-building strategy, we determined that Ha Young-min, as a franchise player, must be retained as a core asset to build a stable pitching staff, prompting us to move swiftly with this contract."

Drafted in the second round of the 2014 rookie draft (overall fourth pick), Ha joined the Heroes and steadily accumulated experience by alternating between starting and relief roles. Notably, he logged over 150 innings for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, becoming a reliable pillar of the team's rotation. This season, he has continued to perform as a key pitcher on the mound regardless of his assigned role. Off the field, he has consistently served as an exemplary model for younger players through rigorous self-discipline and proactive leadership.

Kiwoom stated: "Ha Young-min is a franchise player who has grown alongside the team over many years and proven his value. We hope he will continue to demonstrate responsibility as a central figure for the team, setting a positive example for younger teammates. We look forward to him continuing to represent the Heroes for many years."

Having signed this major contract, Ha Young-min shared: "I am truly grateful that the organization offered such favorable terms. This agreement gives me the opportunity to remain an eternal Hero, which makes it even more meaningful."

He continued: "I feel deeply honored and burdened with great responsibility for being trusted with such a significant decision. Moving forward, I will strive to learn from my seniors and become a positive role model for juniors. I will do my utmost in my assigned role to help the team reach greater heights, and I will repay all fans who have always supported us with outstanding performances."

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*This content was translated by AI.