"We can't afford to pay that much" → "That's something we never said at all. We even released our option rights, but…" Frustrated Kiwoom Heroes clarifies Heyseus' remarks

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"That is something we never said at all. I am puzzled as to why such a story was told."

A Kiwoom Heroes official waved it off. The reason was remarks made by Emanuel de Heyseus (30), who played for Kiwoom in 2024.

Heyseus recently appeared on the YouTube channel "Detras del Show," which covers Central and South American baseball, where he shared his thoughts on his time in Korea and revealed the story behind the breakdown of his recontract negotiations with Kiwoom.

Heyseus stated, "The team I was with in my first year did not want to re-sign me," adding, "That team essentially functioned as a team that develops players and sends them to the United States."

Kiwoom has produced so many Major Leaguers that it is called a "Major League Academy," including Kang Jung-ho, Park Byung-ho (both retired), Kim Ha-seong (Atlanta), Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco), Kim Hye-seong (LA Dodgers), and Song Sung-mun (San Diego).

Heyseus said, "The five or six Korean players who recently entered MLB all came from that team," adding, "That is their business. Because when a player signs a contract, they take a certain percentage of the signing bonus."

He then mentioned that the team was filled with young players, stating, "For example, on Opening Day, our catcher was 19 years old, and our shortstop and center fielder were also 19." The host responded, "So they use their team like their own development league."

Heyseus continued, "That team had been stuck in last place for three years. I heard they finished last again this year," and added, "And they told me very honestly: 'We cannot afford to pay you that much. We are not a team that competes for championships. We will not re-sign you.'"

However, the club's stance was 180 degrees different. A club official told StarNews in a phone interview, "Saying we could not sign him because we were a team that could not win, or that we could not match that amount of money, is something we never said at all," adding, "We simply conveyed our intention not to re-sign while explaining the team's direction for next year."

The club expressed puzzlement over the very fact that such remarks were made. The official stated, "We could have exercised our option rights, but out of consideration, we released them so as not to block the paths of the two players (Heyseus and Hurado)," adding, "We did that out of consideration and respect, so I do not know why he said such things."

The club also clarified the point about developing players and sending them to the United States being a profit model, stating, "It cannot be our main source of revenue. It does not happen every year, does it?"

Heyseus is also a good memory for Kiwoom. In 2024, he pitched 171⅓ innings in 30 games, recording a 13-11 win-loss record and an ERA of 3.68. He ranked second with 178 strikeouts and third in wins. However, the club decided to compose its foreign player roster with two batters and one pitcher for 2025. In the process of looking for a left-handed pitcher, they judged that Kenny Rosenberg was better than Heyseus. Rosenberg also delivered excellent pitching with a 4-4 record and an ERA of 3.23 before leaving the team due to injury.

The club clearly stated that it does not want to engage in a war of words with Heyseus. However, it expressed concern that if incorrect information spreads, it could cause misunderstandings among foreign players interested in the KBO League.

Heyseus also does not appear to have spoken out of malice or ill will. Heyseus mentioned that he struggled early on with Kiwoom, stating, "In fact, I only found out after the season was over that the club had tried to release me. Fortunately, the club said 'let's give him a bit more chance,' and I was able to stay." This also implies that thanks to the opportunity Kiwoom gave him, he was able to have a good time in Korea.

He also shared that he realized the importance of pitching aggressively while aiming for a "quality start," noting that this aspect greatly helped his growth as a pitcher.

It was a remark made in a relaxed atmosphere, like talking with a friend, while people who speak the same language were comfortably discussing life in Korea. There may be parts that slightly deviate from the facts. Or perhaps past memories got mixed up with his own thoughts or guesses. What is clear is that Kiwoom and his time in Korea remain beautiful in Heyseus' memory.

Heyseus stated, "Going to Korea was a huge help for my career. It was an unforgettable experience, and it was so good that I would want to go back if given the chance. It also helped me grow a lot as a player."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original