Indians don’t extend Choo’s MLB contract

INCHEON - With his status with the Cleveland Indians in limbo, outfielder Choo Shin-soo said yesterday he was not sure whether or not he will be able to represent Korea at the World Baseball Classic next year.

The Indians recently said they will not extend the contract for Choo, who will become a free agent after the 2013 season. The Indians may trade him this winter or before the trade deadline in the summer rather than risk losing him for nothing as a free agent at the end of the season.

Choo, 30, has been the subject of trade rumors with the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox mentioned as possible destinations. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport before leaving for the United States, Choo said he first will have to settle his future in the MLB before committing to the WBC.

“There have been a lot of trade rumors, and given my current situation with the Indians, I can’t say at this point whether or not I will be able to play in the WBC,” Choo said. “I feel bad about this, but whatever decision I reach, I hope fans will understand that I will have made the best decision for myself.”

Yonhap