The Pittsburgh local media expressed concern over the news that Choi Ji-man (Pittsburgh Pirates) failed to join the World Baseball Classic (WBC) national team. 안전놀이터
On the 6th, the KBO said, “The WBC Organizing Committee, the WBCI, has informed the KBO that Choi Ji-man cannot participate in the WBC.” The WBCI held an injury review committee to deliberate on whether https://vladimirpetitmedina.comor not to allow Choi Ji-man to participate in the WBC, and the decision was made.”
Choi Ji-man, who graduated from Dongsan High School in Incheon, joined hands with the Seattle Mariners through an international amateur free contract in 2009, and started his professional life in the United States, not in the KBO League. Choi Ji-man lived in the minor leagues for a long time, but in 2016 he succeeded in stepping into the big leagues for the first time with the Los Angeles Angels.
Despite the sluggish performance in the first year of his debut, Choi Ji-man continued his playing career with the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. Entering the major leagues, which is the dream of many players, as well as getting the first free agent (FA) qualification after the 2023 season, has only one dream that Choi could not achieve, the Taegeuk mark.
And the opportunity for Choi Ji-man’s wish to come true came. The WBC, which had not been held since 2017 due to the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19), broke silence and opened in March 2023. Choi Ji-man succeeded in putting his name on the 30-man national team list, and was only waiting for the club’s permission. However, his dream did not become a reality.
After the 2022 season, Choi Ji-man underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his elbow. Pittsburgh, which suffered from the absence of a first baseman last year, did not allow Choi Ji-man to participate in the WBC, as if concerned that he would be injured in the process of preparing for the WBC.
Choi Ji-man said in a statement after the final failure to board the national team, “Regardless of the event, all athletes must have dreamed of playing as a player representing the country with a national flag on their chest.” I don’t know how happy I was at the time. But maybe it’s because I had high expectations. I feel very disappointed and frustrated with the decision not to make it.”
Choi Ji-man said, “I had elbow surgery, which the team was concerned about, but I returned to the United States and was going through the rehabilitation process well, and recently there was no problem enough to go live betting.” I was improving my physical condition well according to the schedule for the first round to be held, so the disappointment is so great and painful.”
In response, the Pittsburgh local press, ‘Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’ reported, “Choi Ji-man made a statement through his agency and expressed disappointment over Pittsburgh’s opposition to Choi Ji-man’s participation in the WBC, which had elbow surgery in the offseason.”
Choi Ji-man is currently at odds with the club over the salary for the 2023 season. Choi Ji-man hopes for an annual salary of 5.4 million dollars (approximately 6.7 billion won), but the club has offered 4.65 million dollars (approximately 5.8 billion won).
The ‘Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’ said, “Pittsburgh’s full squad training is coming on the 21st. It is unlikely that Pittsburgh and Choi Ji-man will reach an agreement (salary) before then.” However, it did not start with a good relationship,” he expressed concern.