Baek Jung-hyun signs four-year deal to stay at Samsung

Baek Jung-hyun, right, poses for a photo after signing a four-year deal with the Samsung Lions. [SAMSUNG LIONS]

Free agent pitcher Baek Jung-hyun has opted to stay with the Samsung Lions, signing a four-year deal worth 3.8 billion won ($3.2 million) on Wednesday.

Baek will earn 2 billion won in guaranteed salary over the four years, along with 400 million won in incentives and a 1.4 billion won signing bonus.

Baek was drafted by the Lions in 2007 and has played his entire career with the club. Over 14 years with the club, Baek has a 4.49 ERA with 50 wins, 39 losses, two saves and 24 holds. He appeared in 27 games in the 2021 season, picking up 14 wins and five losses with a 2.63 ERA.

"Negotiations were not an issue," Baek said after signing the contract. "I've dreamed of signing a free agent contract with the Lions since I was a rookie. I will always do my best for the club. I sincerely thank the fans and the Lions for making me who I am today."

Baek was the only free agent to sign a contract Wednesday as of press time. His deal follows a busy day on Tuesday, when Park Hae-min signed a four-year contract with the LG Twins and Park Kun-woo inked a six-year deal with the NC Dinos. The two outfielders were two of the biggest names in this year's free agent market.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]