The first contract was signed in the 2026 professional baseball free agent market. Shortstop Park Chan-ho (30), who was considered the biggest fish in the FA, signed a four-year contract with the Doosan Bears for a total of 8 billion won.
Doosan announced on the 18th that it signed Park Chan-ho as an FA. The total amount is 8 billion won for four years, including 5 billion won in down payment, 2.8 billion won in annual salary, and 200 million won in incentives. Park Chan-ho, who joined the KIA Tigers in the 50th place in the second round of the fifth round in 2014, has built a new nest in Doosan in the FA market. Under this contract, Doosan is required to pay KIA 200% (900 million won) of the previous year’s salary or 300% (1.35 billion won) of the previous year’s salary, in addition to 20 protected players. Park Chan-ho became the first player in the entire contract nine days after the FA market opened.
Park Chan-ho hit .266 with 23 home runs and 353 RBIs in 1,088 games, and hit .287 with five home runs and 42 RBIs in the 2025 season. Above all, attention has been paid to what level of contract he will sign in the FA market by adding his running ability and good defense, including 187 steals in his career.
Regarding the contract, a Doosan official said, “Park Chan-ho is a shortstop with the best defense in the league and is a resource that can center the team’s infield with many young players,” adding, “We expect him to revitalize the entire team with his role as a leadoff as well as his offensive baserunning ability.” Park Chan-ho said through the Doosan Bears, “I developed my dream while watching Doosan Bears baseball as a child. I’m honored and overwhelmed to wear the team’s uniform. I would like to thank Park Jung-won, the owner of Doosan Bears, for making a good contract,” he said.
“My baseball motto has been ‘hustle’ since childhood. I think the play I’ve played so far will match “Hustle Doo,” the symbol of Doosan Bears. We ask for your support and love,” he added. To the KIA team and fans, Park Chan-ho also said, “I would like to thank the KIA Tigers and Gwangju fans for their support for 12 years. I will not forget that love in the future,” he said.
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