Choi Ji-man (32) failed to reach an annual salary agreement with his new team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, for the 2023 season. The possibility of going through the salary adjustment process in two years has increased. The difference between the two sides was $750,000 (approximately 930 million won).
On the 14th (Korean time), MLB.com, the official website of the Major League Baseball, said, “The Pittsburgh club failed to reach a contract agreement with Choi Ji-man by the deadline for salary negotiations.”
Choi Ji-man continued tug-of-war negotiations with the club until the 14th, the deadline for negotiations with the players subject to salary adjustment. However, as both sides differed in their views, an agreement could not be reached in the end.
Now, Choi Ji-man’s new salary is expected to be decided by the Salary Adjustment Committee. When Choi Ji-man and Pittsburgh each present their desired annual salary, the Salary Adjustment Committee raises one hand.
The salary adjustment committee is scheduled to meet next month. However, the player and the club may continue to negotiate before that and the contract may be concluded. 바카라
The amounts requested by players and clubs were also disclosed. According to New York Post reporter John Heyman, Choi Ji-man asked for $5.4 million (about 6.7 billion won) as an annual salary for the 2023 season. MLB Trade Rumors, a media that deals with news of recent major league transfers, predicted Choi Ji-man’s annual salary for the 2023 season at $4.5 million (approximately 5.5 billion won), which is more than that.
On the other hand, Pittsburgh reportedly offered $4.65 million (approximately 5.8 billion won). The difference between Choi Ji-man and the club is $750,000.
Choi Ji-man had previously won by going through the annual salary adjustment procedure. After applying for an annual salary adjustment in 2021, when he was a member of Tampa Bay, he won and received $2.45 million. Tampa Bay offered $1.85 million at the time. Again, attention is focused on whether Choi Ji-man will get the amount he wants from the club.
Meanwhile, Choi Ji-man participated in 113 games this season and recorded a batting average of 0.233, 11 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 36 runs, an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.729. After feeling pain in his right elbow for the first time last May, he digested the season with painkiller fighting spirit. He was traded to Pittsburgh after the season and had surgery to remove a bone fragment in his elbow. He is currently concentrating on rehabilitation in the United States and is aiming for the WBC. However, WBC participation must also be approved by the Pittsburgh club. This is one more reason why Choi Ji-man and the club must amicably resolve the salary issue.