Choi Ji-man of the Pittsburgh Pirates continues to face trials related to the club. 메이저사이트This time, he knelt at the salary adjustment judge.
On the 18th (Korean time), the MLB Salary Adjustment Committee announced the results of the annual salary adjustment hearing between Choi Ji-man and Pittsburgh, and adopted the $4.65 million proposed by the club.
Pittsburgh traded with the Tampa Bay Rays in November of last year for minor league pitcher Jack Hartman and recruited Choi Ji-man. Pittsburgh, which recently refused to participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), raised concerns by dragging salary negotiations with Choi Ji-man to the mediator, which ended up hurting Choi Ji-man a second time.
In 2021, Choi Ji-man won the salary adjustment referee against Tampa Bay. However, this time, Choi Ji-man’s defeat was predicted. He played in 113 games last year and recorded a batting average of 0.233 (83 hits in 356 at-bats), 11 home runs, 52 RBIs, and an OPS of 0.729.
Considering his performance, it was evaluated that the requested amount of 5.4 million dollars was excessive. The salary forecasting system of Major League Baseball Trade Rumors (MLBTR) considered $4.5 million to be appropriate.
When the Pittsburgh club refused to participate in the WBC, Choi Ji-man expressed regret with an emotional expression, saying, “I feel disappointed and frustrated. My heart is hurt.” The reason why Pittsburgh refused to participate in the WBC was because he underwent surgery to remove a bone fragment in his elbow last November. It was a simple operation that would take two to three months for his rehabilitation, but Pittsburgh could only hope that the new member would enter the season in perfect condition.
Regarding this, Pittsburgh General Manager Ben Sherington said on the day, “As the season approaches, his physical condition is getting better.” It’s different. I said this when I was against the WBC.”
Pittsburgh coach Derek Shelton also said, “I’m going to have a calm talk with Choi Ji-man about the WBC. We thought it would be best for him to stay healthy and stay with the team.” I’m going to sit down and talk about it. I don’t think this will become an issue.”
It seems that the general manager and manager are evolving in response to the conflict between Choi Ji-man, who openly revealed his regret towards the club, and the club.
It is hard to say that Choi Ji-man secured his starting spot in Pittsburgh. This is because Pittsburgh built a platoon system by recruiting switch hitter Carlos Santana as a first baseman and designated hitter agent. However, there is nothing only Choi can do now. As much as he is eligible for free agency after this season, he must focus on the season and make the most of it.
“Right now, I’m optimistic that Choi Ji-man will be perfectly prepared by the time the season starts,” Sherington said.
According to MLB.com, Choi Ji-man, who is participating in the string training that opened in Brandonton, Florida, USA, trained as a first baseman that day, but has yet to meet with the media.