He devoted himself to the team even at an age of infidelity. In the Korean Series, he became the oldest MVP ever. He is also the franchise star representing the team. But no salary increase. For what reason? This is the story of SSG Kim Kang-min (41).
SSG announced on the 24th that it had completed the 2023 season salary contract. Almost all players signed contracts last year. Only Noh Kyung-eun and Kim Kang-min are left. An SSG official said right before the Lunar New Year holiday, “Noh Kyung-eun took a stamp. Kim Kang-min is also in the final stage. An announcement will be made soon.” In fact, the announcement came out on the last day of the holiday.
Kim Kang-min’s annual salary is 160 million won. Same as 2022. Since we even won the combined championship, there is no doubt that it will be raised. SSG judged calmly. I watched the regular season and the Korean series separately. 바카라
Kang-min Kim produced a batting average of 0.303, 5 home runs and 18 RBIs, an on-base percentage of 0.375, a slugging percentage of 0.449, and an OPS of 0.824 in the 2022 regular season. His scoring position batting average is 0.317. Instead, only 84 games were played. He vacated his seat quite a bit as he suffered an injury to his thigh and back. Less than 100 games in a season is the first time since 2018 (80 games).
He also gave up the position of ‘main center fielder’. A junior named Choi Ji-hoon appeared. Choi Ji-hoon borrows Kim Kang-min’s nickname and is called ‘Little Beast’. He appeared in all 144 games and compiled a batting average of 0.304, 10 home runs, 61 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.789. The defense is also top-notch.
A twist occurred in the Korean series. In the first game, he hit a dramatic tie-breaking solo home run, and in the fifth game, he hit a three-run home run to end the reversal, giving the team victory. He played the role of a ‘super pinch hitter’. The Korean Series MVP also became Kim Kang-min’s share.
It was a pity in the regular league, but a player who did his part on the big stage. This is a worrying part in setting the annual salary in 2023. SSG made a point in the regular season.
An SSG official said, “There weren’t many games in the regular season. If you look at it objectively, it is a target for reduction. He performed well in the Korean Series and even won the championship. Strands were caught by freezing. completed the final contract. In fact, in the Korean Series, I think it was a reward because the winning bonus had already gone out.”
It is the heart of a player to want to receive even a penny more. He even won the championship, so he should have expected it. The regular season was disappointing. With the appearance of Choi Ji-hoon, the fact that he became a ‘backup’ also had an impact. In the end, Kim Kang-min accepted and finished his contract.
It’s sad, but it’s a thing of the past now. On the 25th, Kim Kang-min, along with Choi Jeong and Kim Gwang-hyeon, set off for Florida, the spring camp site, first. Running for SSG’s second consecutive victory in 2023.