Twins won right to offer South Korean
contract with $12.85 million bid
MINNEAPOLIS – South Korean first baseman Byung Ho Park has agreed to a $12 million, four-year contract with the Minnesota Twins.
The 29-year-old, who also is a designated hitter, gets $2.75 million in each of the next two seasons and $3 million each in 2018 and ’19. The Twins have a $6.5 million option for 2020 with a $500,000 buyout.
“I have no problem with being the DH,” Park said. “Obviously, I prefer to take the field but I also have to make adjustments in a new environment.”
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 hit .343 with 53 homers and 146 RBI this year. He has a .281 average and 210 homers in parts of nine seasons in Korea.
In nine seasons, Park hit .281 with 210 home runs – 105 of those the last two seasons.