Kim Sang-su joins KT Wiz on four-year deal

Kim Sang-su poses in a KT Wiz jacket in a photo released by the Suwon club on Thursday. [YONHAP]

The KT Wiz on Thursday signed free agent infielder Kim Sang-su on a four-year deal worth 2.9 billion won ($2.2 million).

Kim, who formerly played for the Samsung Lions, will earn 1.5 billion won in annual salary spread over the four years with an 800-million-won signing bonus and 600 million won in incentives.

Kim is a veteran infielder who has been a regular fixture in the Lions lineup since debuting in 2009. Over 14 seasons in the KBO he has a career .271 batting average with 1,379 hits, 549 RBIs and 55 home runs.

Kim’s form has dipped in recent seasons. He only appeared in 72 games in the 2022 season, recording a .251 batting average, up from .235 in 2021, but well below the .304 he was batting in 2020.

But the Wiz were not looking for a big hitter, signing Kim instead for his defensive experience to bolster a weak infield at the Suwon club.

Kim is the first free agent to join the Wiz this season.

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