KBO
Padres officially sign Song Sung-mun to four-year deal, manager eyes outfield role
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The San Diego Padres officially announced a four-year contract with KBO star Song Sung-mun on December 23, following reports of an agreement. Manager Craig Stammen said playing the infielder in the outfield is 'definitely a possibility' to maximize his bat, while his 2026 World Baseball Classic participation remains undecided.
The LG Twins begin their title defense against the KT Wiz at Jamsil Baseball Stadium as the 45th KBO season opens with five games on Saturday at 2 p.m. The league aims to surpass last year's record attendance of 12,312,519 fans. Preseason crowds, including records of 80,042 and 83,584 over two days, signal strong interest.
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SSG Landers manager Lee Sung-yong hopes his team will be overlooked again in 2026 after exceeding expectations with a third-place finish in the Korea Baseball Organization last season. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport before departing for Florida spring training, he said underestimation fuels the players. The team aims to build on its strong bullpen while improving hitting and starting pitching.
Cody Ponce, the 2025 KBO regular-season MVP, has signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. His former Hanwha Eagles teammate Ryan Weiss has joined the Houston Astros on a one-year contract. The news was confirmed by team sources on Wednesday.
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The Hanwha Eagles have signed Venezuelan pitcher Wilkel Hernandez to a one-year deal and brought back outfielder Yonathan Perlaza for the 2026 season. The move addresses potential changes in the team's pitching staff. Both players bring substantial minor league experience to the KBO club.