Twins Sign Slugger Byung Ho Park To 4-Year Contract
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO/AP) -- The Minnesota Twins announced Tuesday they've agreed to terms with Korean free agent slugger Byung Ho Park.
The Twins signed Park to a four-year contract with $12 million guaranteed and a club option for the 2020 season. He'll earn a base salary of $2.75 million starting next season.
Park, who is expected to mainly be a designated hitter and could play some first base, hit .343 with 35 doubles, 53 homers, 146 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 140 games with the Nexen Heroes last season in the Korean Baseball Organization. He led the league in homers, RBI and was second in runs scored with 129.
On Nov. 9, Minnesota won the right to negotiate with Park for 30 days by placing a high bid of $12.85 million after he was posted by the Nexen Heroes under Major League Baseball's agreement with the Korea Baseball Organization. The money was due only if Park signed with the Twins.
Park, 29, spent nine seasons in the KBO with 137 doubles, 604 RBI and 210 homers in 868 games. He'll become the 18th Korean born player to get to the major leagues. He's expected to provide another power bat in the Twins lineup next season.
The Twins will introduce Park at a 10 a.m. news conference on Wednesday at Target Field.
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