"We can't pay that much; we're not a team competing for the championship" — It ultimately came down to money: The story behind the failed 2024 re-signing of Heyseux with Kiwoom

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Foreign pitcher Emanuel de Heyseux (30), who pitched for the Kiwoom Heroes, revealed why he failed to re-sign with the club despite his outstanding performance. It ultimately came down to money.

Heyseux recently appeared on "Detras del Show," a YouTube channel covering baseball in Central and South America, where he shared his thoughts on his time in Korea. In doing so, he also disclosed the story behind why he did not reach a re-signing agreement with the Kiwoom Heroes despite his contributions to the team.

Heyseux described Kiwoom as "essentially a team that develops young players and sends them to the United States," emphasizing that Kang Jung-ho (retired), Kim Ha-seong (Atlanta), Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco), and Kim Hye-seong (LA Dodgers) all came from Kiwoom. He added that the club's primary source of revenue is the transfer fees generated when these players move overseas through the posting system.

Heyseux stated, "At the time of the opening game, the catcher, shortstop, and center fielder who started were all just 19 years old." Hearing this, the host responded with enthusiasm, saying, "So it's like they operate a development league."

Therefore, it was only natural that a re-signing could not be reached. It is a sufficiently convincing explanation.

Heyseux signed with Kiwoom for a total of $800,000 (approximately 10.7 billion won), including a $200,000 option for 2024.

With Kiwoom, he pitched in 30 games over 171⅓ innings, recording a 13-11 record and an ERA of 3.68. He ranked second in strikeouts (178) and third in wins, but did not remain with Kiwoom. Together with Ariel Hurdado (Samsung), they combined for 23 wins, yet Kiwoom retained neither player.

The stated reason was that the team would compose its foreign roster with two batters while seeking a more impactful foreign pitcher, and that choice was Kenny Rosenberg. Kiwoom released their waiver rights to allow these players to move freely; Heyseux transferred to the KT Wiz, and Hurdado moved to the Samsung Lions. Both secured guaranteed contracts of $1 million.

In 2025 as well, he appeared in 32 games (162⅔ innings), posting a 9-9 record with an ERA of 3.96, but amid somewhat disappointing results, he failed to reach a re-signing and had to pack his bags.

However, at the time in 2024, their decision not to retain Heyseux and Hurdado also sparked anger among fans. The prevailing opinion was that it was ultimately about saving money.

Heyseux offered a more direct account regarding the failed re-signing with Kiwoom. He noted that this is why Kiwoom has remained in last place for four consecutive years, and relayed that the club told him, "We cannot pay you what you are worth. We are not a team competing for the championship right now. Therefore, it seems difficult to re-sign you."

He continued, "So another team (KT) that was fighting in the standings and competing came to me, and I signed with them."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original