Hanwha, Doosan, and KT’s large reinforcements shake up the game in the early stages
Focus on filling the gap between KIA, NC, and Lotte and reorganize power
Samsung renews contract with Diaz after hitting 50 home runs
Interested in remaining variables such as composition of compensated players and foreigners
Stove League, which opened at the end of the 2025 KBO League season, is heating up from the beginning with major transfers and contract renewal announcements.
As of the 25th, the first noticeable movement was Hanwha’s ’10 billion bet’. Hanwha once again signed a large contract with free agent Kang Baek-ho for up to 10 billion won for four years. Through this, we have a solid central batting lineup consisting of Moon Hyun-bin, Kang Baek-ho, Noh Si-hwan, and Chae Eun-seong. However, Kang Baek-ho’s defensive position still remains a topic of debate.
Doosan was also at the center of the market in the early stages. They filled the poor infield by recruiting free agent shortstop Park Chan-ho from KIA for up to 8 billion won over four years. Due to this recruitment, Ahn Jae-seok, who showed great performance last season, is expected to change his position to third base. They also renewed their contract with outfielder Cho Soo-haeng for 4 years and 1.6 billion won.
KT quickly began reinforcing its biggest players, including Park Chan-ho, Kang Baek-ho, and Park Hae-min. Catcher Han Seung-taek was brought in for 4 years and 1 billion won, and Korean Series MVP Kim Hyun-soo, who had parted ways with LG, was brought in for 3 years and 5 billion won (fully guaranteed), securing batting lineup and experience at the same time. The strategy to make up for the lack of left-handed batting resources with ‘veteran pieces’ is clear.
Defending champion LG focused on Mercury rather than external recruitment. They maintained defensive stability by renewing a four-year contract with captain Hae-min Park for 6.5 billion won. Although Kim Hyun-soo left, the plan is to build an outfield by actively utilizing Park Hae-min and Lee Jae-won, who bombed the Futures League.
Samsung also stands out. They succeeded in reinforcing the home defense by recruiting NC catcher Park Se-hyuk through a trade, and renewed contracts with foreigners Diaz and Jurado, who showed outstanding performances.
KIA, which gave up Park Chan-ho, was left with its biggest problem. The key is how to fill the void of the starting shortstop, and in the case of Kim Do-young, who is mentioned as an internal alternative, concerns are raised that it will be difficult for him to play normal shortstop defense due to his recent history of frequent injuries. While both external recruitment and trade possibilities are open, a conclusion is also awaited on whether central hitter Choi Hyung-woo will renew his contract.
Lotte and SSG are having a relatively quiet winter without any external recruitment. Lotte is focusing on internal reorganization, and SSG is also considering the composition of foreign players while maintaining its core strength. NC is seeking to renew contracts with Riley and Davidson and is discussing whether to negotiate with Choi Won-jun, who is a free agent. As in previous years, Kiwoom is focusing on internal development and reorganization centered on prospects rather than recruiting external free agents, so more emphasis is placed on maintaining a long-term roadmap rather than strengthening power. Whether Song Seong-moon enters the United States is expected to act as a variable.
The doors to Stove League are not completely closed yet. Although most of the key free agents’ actions have been sorted out, there are many remaining variables, such as the announcement of compensated players, the final composition of foreign players, and additional movements in the trade market. There are also predictions that the situation may fluctuate again after December, when each club’s strategy is revealed in earnest. In the midst of a hot winter war, baseball fans are paying close attention to who will complete the final puzzle most perfectly.
