Choo Shin-soo, who left a spectacular mark in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and played for the SSG Landers in the KBO League for the last three seasons, has decided to retire at the end of next season. He plans to spend a special retirement season as a team captain and various fan services even after receiving the lowest salary next season.
"Choo Shin-soo has decided to retire after finishing his professional career at the end of the 2024 season," the SSG said on Wednesday. "I agonized a lot with my family during the offseason. I felt my love for baseball and the team, so I agonized over my career path with the club," Choo said through his club. "He and new coach Lee needed me and respected my opinion. I have been playing baseball in the U.S. and Korea, and I think it is time to end the season."
"As it is the last season, I would like to present meaningful memories to fans who have supported me throughout the season regardless of home or away games," Choo said. According to the club, Choo signed a one-year contract with the minimum annual salary of 30 million won for next season. Having received an annual salary of 1.7 billion won (1.1 million U.S. dollars), he volunteered to make a significant cut first. He also plans to donate all of his annual salary of 30 million won (30,000 dollars). "The exact amount of donation and donation activities will be disclosed later," SSG said.
In addition, Choo proposed to his club a variety of fan service plans including a gift for a uniform with his own autograph, a special signing event, and support for amateur baseball games. In addition, Choo will take over as team captain for next season after receiving suggestions from SSG coach Lee Sung-yong. "Lee Sung-yong has suggested the team captain for next season, considering Choo's rich experience and leadership as well as the fact that he is highly respected by players," the SSG said.
Choo Shin-soo was a major leaguer who played 16 seasons in MLB since 2005, leaving a significant mark with a batting average of 0.275 and 218 home runs and 1,671 hits. He debuted in the KBO League with SSG Landers in 2021, and recorded a batting average of 0.260 49 home runs and 226 runs with 46 steals in 361 games in three seasons.