'Wa' Noh Si-hwan gives up 30.7 billion won → Salary jumps by more than double, but there is a prerequisite for his move to San Diego... "He must add an outfield defensive option," U.S. media offer cold advice

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

'Padres Mission,' which covers news about the San Diego Padres, published an article on the 6th (Korean time) titled "The Padres' Free Agent Wish List: The Top 4 International Free Agents Entering MLB."

Following third baseman Sato Teruaki, who achieved a Triple Crown in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) this year, right-handed pitcher Taira Kaima, and Ito Hiromi, the outlet mentioned Noh Si-hwan's name.

The media stated, "There are four major candidates this year," adding, "While no single player among them stands out as a 'must-have' acquisition for San Diego, at least three of the four would be excellent additions to the team."

Describing him as "the best player coming from the KBO League," the outlet noted that Noh Si-hwan will turn 26 in December and is the youngest prospect in this group of overseas free agents. It explained, "Playing for the underperforming Hanwha Eagles (57 wins, 83 losses, 4 draws), he posted a .283 batting average, a .360 on-base percentage, and a .505 slugging percentage, along with 29 home runs and 96 RBIs. Over the past four years, he has shown considerable consistency in run production, recording between 24 and 32 home runs and 89 to 101 RBIs each season. His OPS (on-base plus slugging) also ranged from .810 to .929."

However, the outlet noted that a change would be necessary for him to join San Diego, as superstar Manny Machado occupies Noh Si-hwan's primary position at third base.

"If right-handed hitter Noh Si-hwan is unwilling to move to left field, there is essentially no position where he fits perfectly with the Padres," the media reported. It added, "He can handle both infield corners (first and third base), so if he adds outfield defense to his repertoire, he could provide a certain level of versatility."

While it is not uncommon for infielders to transition to the outfield, it remains unclear how realistic this would be for Noh. Kim Hye-seong has frequently played in the outfield since entering the major leagues, but Noh Si-hwan has never appeared as an outfielder since his professional debut.

The outlet also predicted that Song Sung-moon, who played as a third baseman domestically before joining San Diego, could play a complementary role with Noh. It added, "There is also the possibility that he could help create a synergistic effect, allowing Padres infielder Song Sung-moon, who struggled offensively in his first year in the major leagues, to perform better."

Song Sung-moon signed a four-year contract worth $15 million (approximately 20.3 billion won) with San Diego ahead of this season. Although Song had previously signed a six-year, 12 billion won non-FA multi-year deal with Kiwoom, the new contract significantly exceeded that amount just four years later.

Despite it being his first season, he left much to be desired, posting a .191 batting average (25 hits in 131 at-bats), one home run, 17 RBIs, 22 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases, along with a .291 on-base percentage, a .244 slugging percentage, and an OPS of .535 in 78 games.

Both Song Sung-moon and Kim Hye-seong (LA Dodgers) endured difficult times. This serves as a reference point for Noh Si-hwan's contract negotiations. The outlet emphasized that, unlike Kim Do-young (KIA), who is already drawing attention, Noh was not considered a "top-tier" player by major league teams.

The media predicted, "Because Noh Si-hwan has not frequently appeared on various top free agent ranking lists, he is expected to sign a contract of similar scale to what Song Sung-moon received last offseason (between $3 million and $4 million per year)."

Ahead of the season, Noh Si-hwan signed a massive 11-year, 30.7 billion won non-FA multi-year contract with Hanwha, which equates to receiving approximately 2.8 billion won annually. Even if he signs a contract worth only $3 million (approximately 4 billion won) per year, as the media predicted, it would significantly exceed the annual value of his deal with Hanwha. At $4 million (approximately 5.4 billion won), his salary would nearly double. If he signs a four-year contract similar to Song Sung-moon's, he is expected to earn between $12 million (approximately 16.2 billion won) and $16 million (approximately 21.7 billion won).

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original