Choi Ji-Man (32), who became a free agent for the first time in his career, has not yet made any predictions about his future in the United States, but has attracted attention by predicting his future in the Japanese archipelago.

On the 18th, Japan’s Full Count published an article titled “Will Choi Ji-Man play in Japan next season, hoping to enter the Japanese stage?”.

Choi had his worst year since his big league debut this year. Choi, who was a starter at first base for the Tampa Bay Rays until last season, changed uniforms before this season. He joined the Pittsburgh Pirates via trade.

He didn’t get much playing time with his new team. An injury to his left Achilles tendon limited him to 23 games until August. He was then traded again at the trade deadline, this time from Pittsburgh to the San Diego Padres. This was Choi’s sixth team after the Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Pittsburgh.

He played little, and cried injury again, this time to his left rib. In 16 games with San Diego, he batted just .065.

Choi’s numbers for the season were not good, with a .163 batting average, six home runs, 13 RBIs, and a .624 OPS in 39 games.

What’s more, after the season, Choi will be eligible for free agency. It would be his first free agency after reaching the major leagues. The timing was not good. While other players were hitting their stride before free agency, Choi hit rock bottom.

As a result, there are not many articles in the U.S. speculating about which teams want him or where he will go. 

Choi’s salary this year was $4.65 million (about 6.3 billion won). It is clear that he will not be joining San Diego, which is trying to reduce the ransom by teasing him with a significant salary cut.

Instead, the news came from Japan. ”Choi has shown power in his eight-year major league career, with 67 home runs and four double-digit home run seasons,” the outlet noted.

Apparently, Choi doesn’t mind playing in Japan. ”I would like to play in Japan sometime in the future. I’ve had a few offers before. If I get another offer, I’ll consider it. As a baseball player, it’s cool to play in different countries.” 먹튀검증

He also expressed his love for Japan. ”I traveled to Osaka, Japan last year, and I loved the takoyaki and beer. I ate takoyaki at a restaurant every morning,” he recalled.

The media said, “She’s not that old yet. I wonder if he will be able to fulfill his Japan dream,” the media said.