"I was truly happy, and I will never forget this for the rest of my life." Will Peraza ultimately pack his bags? The status of his contract renewal with "Hanwha," which has lost its manager and general manager, remains uncertain.

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"I will never forget this."

Yonatan Peraza (28, Hanwha Eagles) shared his reflections on the conclusion of the season. Although he delivered an outstanding performance as a "valuable foreign player" this season, the message carries a somewhat ominous undertone.

Peraza shared his thoughts on the end of the season through his social networking service (SNS) account on the 11th.

Peraza stated, "I am deeply grateful to the Hanwha Eagles organization for giving me the precious opportunity to play once again in Korea, where I have always received warm love and support." He added, "Although we did not reach the goal that the team and fans had hoped for together, simply being able to play baseball in front of you made me truly happy. In every game and every moment, I was able to enjoy baseball freely while feeling your support."

He also left a message that seemed to hint at an ending. Peraza wrote, "I will never forget the consistent love and warm hearts you have shown to my family and me. Your support has been a great strength for me and a precious driving force that allowed me to get back up even in difficult moments."

Peraza, who wore the Hanwha uniform in the 2024 season, appeared in 122 games that year, recording a batting average of .275, 24 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 75 runs scored, along with an on-base percentage of .364, a slugging percentage of .486, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .850.

Although these statistics could have easily led to a contract renewal, Hanwha chose to part ways with Peraza. This was because the gap between his explosive first half (batting average of .314) and second half (.240) was too significant. While Peraza had always received much love from Hanwha fans for his passionate attitude, it was a decision that could be fully understood.

Peraza, who consistently performed well for a full season with the Triple-A team under the San Diego Padres and even won the organization's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, turned down offers from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to return to Hanwha. This demonstrated just how much affection he had for Hanwha.

Returning to the team with questions about his defensive skills, which had been a source of some disappointment, resolved, Peraza showcased improved skills compared to two years ago, recording a batting average of .289, 20 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 88 runs scored in 132 games, along with an on-base percentage of .408, a slugging percentage of .493, and an OPS of .901.

Peraza, who ranked first among regular players in on-base percentage and OPS, placed eighth overall among league hitters and first within the team in Wins Above Replacement (WAR), which most intuitively expresses a player's value in modern baseball, with a WAR of 5.37 based on Statiz standards.

The issue of lacking late-game endurance also appeared this time. He recorded a batting average of .314 and 17 home runs in the first half but managed only a .240 batting average and 3 home runs in the second half. However, this was influenced by the severe slump experienced by the entire team in the second half, and his opportunities were also limited toward the end of the season.

Since his talent has been confirmed and he holds considerable affection for the team, concerns regarding a contract renewal are inevitably growing.

However, given that Hanwha decided to part ways with Manager Kim Kyung-moon and General Manager Son Hyuk along with the end of the season, there is also a high possibility of significant changes in the composition of foreign players. It is still difficult to be certain, but things are expected to become clearer once the new manager and general manager are appointed.

I sincerely thank God for allowing me to spend another season filled with blessings.

I am deeply grateful to the Hanwha Eagles organization for giving me the precious opportunity to play once again in Korea, where I have always received warm love and support.

Above all, I sincerely thank you, the fans, for your unwavering love and passionate support throughout this season.

Although we did not reach the goal that the team and fans had hoped for together, simply being able to play baseball in front of you made me truly happy. In every game and every moment, I was able to enjoy baseball freely while feeling your support.

I will never forget the consistent love and warm hearts you have shown to my family and me. Your support has been a great strength for me and a precious driving force that allowed me to get back up even in difficult moments.

Once again, I am deeply grateful.

Thank you always. Fighting, Hanwha Eagles!

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original