(C) Namuwiki

GWANGJU – The KIA Tigers announced on Wednesday that they have officially secured free agent (FA) relief pitcher Cho Sang-woo with a two-year contract worth up to 1.5 billion won ($1.1 million USD).

The deal, finalized just days before the team’s departure for spring training, includes:

Signing Bonus: 500 million won Annual Salary: 800 million won (total over 2 years) Incentives: 200 million won

A Proven Power Arm
Cho Sang-woo, the first overall pick in the 2013 rookie draft, spent the bulk of his career with the Nexen (now Kiwoom) Heroes before joining KIA via trade in late 2024. Over 10 KBO seasons, Cho has established himself as one of the league's most reliable late-inning arms, boasting a career 3.21 ERA with 89 saves and 82 holds.

In 2025, his first full season with the Tigers, Cho became a cornerstone of the team’s "winning line" (setup crew). He appeared in 72 games, recording a personal best of 28 holds and maintaining a 3.90 ERA over 60 innings.

Commitment to the Fans
Following the announcement, Cho apologized for the length of the negotiations and expressed his gratitude to the Tigers' faithful.

"I am sorry to the fans for not sharing this news sooner," Cho said. "Because the deal took some time, I am even more determined to prepare thoroughly. I want to repay the fans' patience with great performances on the mound at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field."
Cho also added that he hopes his performance over the next two years will earn him another strong evaluation when he returns to the negotiating table in 2028.

Front Office Expectations
KIA Tigers General Manager Shim Jae-hak emphasized Cho’s importance to the roster, noting that his veteran presence and ability to handle high-pressure situations were key factors in the re-signing.

"Cho Sang-woo led our team in holds last season and was a vital part of our bullpen," Shim stated. "We expect him to continue protecting our leads in crucial moments this year."

Next Steps
With the contract finalized, Cho will immediately join the squad. He is scheduled to depart with the rest of the team on January 23rd for the 2026 spring training camp to begin preparations for the upcoming season.