Asked Ha Young-min! Why didn't you become a free agent? "Worry over concern → I'm not that young anymore..." [On-site interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes has signed franchise pitcher Ha Young-min (31) to an unprecedented eight-year, 8 billion won non-free agent contract, aiming to stabilize the pitching staff with a proven starter. This contract, effective from the 2027 season, is the largest multi-year deal actually executed in Kiwoom's history and ranks as the sixth-largest non-free agent pitcher multi-year contract in KBO League history, following Ryu Hyun-jin and Kim Kwang-hyun.

Having committed to a long-term, record-breaking contract with the club and effectively promising his future as a "one-club man," Ha Young-min met with StarNews after completing all training sessions held on the 13th at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul. There, he calmly revealed his true reasons for opting to stay rather than entering the free agent market.

Ha Young-min could have become a free agent (FA) after this season and received evaluations from other teams. When asked by StarNews why he chose to remain instead of entering the market, Ha Young-min coldly assessed his career and continued with an unexpected confession.

Debuting in the 2014 season, Ha Young-min's nine wins (eight losses) in the 2024 season represent his personal single-season record for most wins. Although he posted a 3-point ERA in the 2016 season (3.14) and 2022 season (3.43), those were all in relief roles. Since fully transitioning to a starting pitcher role in the 2024 season, he has yet to achieve double-digit wins while maintaining a sub-3.50 ERA over the required innings.

Ha Young-min began by saying, "When I first received the contract offer, I was only grateful for the excellent treatment, but on the other hand, I had personal concerns." He then calmly added, "I have not yet recorded 10 wins in a single season as a starter, nor have I ever pitched enough innings to post a sub-3.50 ERA." He continued, "Because such cold, realistic thoughts were in my mind, I was more worried than hesitant about entering the market. Therefore, responding to the club's full trust by choosing to become a 'lifelong Hero' was the most correct decision."

He also opened up about realistic concerns regarding his age. Ha Young-min stated, "I realized that my age is no longer young," and added, "Rather than taking risks by entering the market, I believe it is right to remain as a one-club man with the organization that has believed in me for eight long years."

Upon hearing the news of Ha Young-min's major contract, his teammates celebrated as if it were their own. Regarding the reactions from senior and junior players after the signing, Ha Young-min shared, "(Seo) Geon-chang hyung congratulated me a lot. I received much advice from him and asked him many questions." He continued, "Of course, my peers and friends offered the most congratulations. (Im) Byung-wook, (Im) Ji-yeol, and (Kim) Woong-bin did as well, and even (Kim) Tae-jin, who is currently in the minor league, contacted me to congratulate me as if it were his own achievement. I was truly grateful." He proudly displayed the strong camaraderie among his teammates.

Having repaid the love of the club and fans with an unprecedented multi-year contract, Ha Young-min is now preparing to lead the mound as a clear center for the Heroes. He said, "Although the team is currently struggling slightly, our seniors are making efforts to guide the juniors well, and the young players are focusing on winning games." He further pledged, "I too will follow my seniors closely, convey positive thoughts and atmosphere to the younger players, and do my best to help the team rise even higher."

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*This content was translated by AI.