Perfect Agent [EN]: Chapter 136

Second Salary Negotiation (3)

The semi-playoff series between the Buffaloes and the Doubles ended with the Buffaloes winning 3-1.

With the Doubles’ season coming to an end, so did Go Ji-hoon and Choi Jeong-hwan’s season.

Go Ji-hoon and Choi Jeong-hwan arrived at their accommodation after the game.

“Senior, you’ve worked hard. Jeong-hwan, you too.”

I looked at Go Ji-hoon and Choi Jeong-hwan in turn and offered my first words.

“It’s a shame we lost in the end, but it feels refreshing to think that the season is over now.”

Go Ji-hoon’s face even showed a sense of relief.

While many players struggle with their competitive drive after being eliminated from the postseason, this season must have been particularly difficult for Go Ji-hoon, making his relief understandable.

On the other hand, Choi Jeong-hwan couldn’t hide his disappointment.

“It was so close. Even though we were pushed back by the Buffaloes in the regular season, I thought we could have done well in the short series.”

“But you did well. We came this far because of you.”

As it was a short-term game of the best-of-five series, Choi Jeong-hwan, the 4th starting pitcher, pitched as a relief pitcher in all semi-playoff games.

Thanks to Choi Jeong-hwan reliably blocking 1-2 innings in the middle, we were able to fiercely contest the game until the end.

It was an achievement unlike the Doubles, who often allowed comebacks in the second half of games.

“I think Seok-hoon and Seong-ju are definitely good hitters. Every time they got a hit at an important moment, the opposing team seemed to lose their morale.”

Throughout the series, Oh Seok-hoon and Park Seong-ju worked together to dismantle the Doubles’ pitching staff.

Except for when Choi Jeong-hwan pitched, there seemed to be no way to stop the two players’ performance.

“You’ll do better next year.”

I patted Choi Jeong-hwan on the shoulder.

“By any chance… are you going to another team next year, senior?”

Choi Jeong-hwan looked at Go Ji-hoon and carefully broached the subject.

“Well… I’ll do whatever our representative decides.”

Go Ji-hoon smiled at me.

“Senior, don’t worry about anything and rest comfortably. I’ll bring good results.”

“Then, can I go home and rest for a few days?”

“Of course.”

“I’m relieved to have our representative here.”

Go Ji-hoon smiled while looking at me.

I turned my head towards Choi Jeong-hwan.

“And Jeong-hwan, I have a suggestion for you.”

“For me? What is it?”

I slowly spoke to Choi Jeong-hwan, who was curious.

“How about trying to become a closer [a relief pitcher who specializes in pitching the final inning of a game]?”

“Me, a closer?”

Choi Jeong-hwan’s biggest weakness was that he didn’t have a reliable breaking ball [a pitch that moves sharply as it approaches the batter].

It was no exaggeration to say that his lack of breaking ball skills undermined the strengths of his fastball.

It was a problem that could be solved by improving his breaking ball skills, but that was easier said than done.

However, if he couldn’t compensate for that weakness, it would be difficult for him to become an ace pitcher in the team’s 1st or 2nd starting rotation.

It was already a great thing to have his name on the starting rotation of a professional team, but Choi Jeong-hwan was a player with even more potential.

Of course, it wasn’t common for a player who was in the starting rotation to suddenly switch to being a closer.

However, it seemed clear that it was a way for Choi Jeong-hwan to unleash his abilities even more.

Because Choi Jeong-hwan was one of the best in the league at striking out batters with his fastball.

“I think it’s a way to maximize your potential, but I have no intention of pushing it if you don’t want to.”

“Um… it’s difficult to decide so suddenly. What do you think, senior?”

Choi Jeong-hwan turned his head to Go Ji-hoon and asked.

Go Ji-hoon also pondered and carefully shared his opinion.

“Looking at his control and strikeout ability, I think it’s worth considering… But shouldn’t a pitcher try to settle as a starter if possible? It’s true that relief pitchers are not as recognized as starting pitchers.”

Go Ji-hoon’s opinion was also valid.

Starting pitchers have their appearances thoroughly managed by the club according to the rotation, but relief pitchers had to be on standby to pitch whenever the team needed them.

I nodded and added a word.

“So, it’s difficult for me to say for sure. I think it would suit Jeong-hwan well, but I can’t ignore those realistic considerations.”

“That’s the realistic situation, but I also think Jeong-hwan, you could do well if you switch to being a closer.”

Choi Jeong-hwan, who had listened to my and Go Ji-hoon’s opinions, pondered for a moment and slowly spoke.

“Even when I pitched in the postseason this time, and when I pitched in the 9th inning at the All-Star Game, it was thrilling.”

“I guess so.”

The joy of being able to stand on the mound at the last moment of a win, pitching in a situation where the team is in a desperate crisis, was a pleasure that only a closer could feel.

“Looking at it that way, I feel like trying it, but… I’m not sure if I can do well.”

“What part are you most worried about?”

“A closer needs to have good control, but to be honest, it’s still not easy for me to intentionally throw inside. Until now, it only went in when I was lucky.”

It seemed like he still hadn’t shaken off the trauma of that day.

It’s not something that can be solved quickly.

Then, Go Ji-hoon smiled and nudged Choi Jeong-hwan’s shoulder.

“Hey, what are you worried about when you throw up to 158km/h [approximately 98 mph]? I want to throw 150km/h [approximately 93 mph] just once. I don’t think I can do it anymore as I get older.”

“It’s possible because you have good control, senior.”

“It all comes with practice. I’ll help you.”

“Really?”

“Let’s train together this winter.”

Go Ji-hoon nodded while looking at Choi Jeong-hwan.

“Then, should I really try it?”

Choi Jeong-hwan now turned his head towards me.

“If you’re willing to try, I’ll help you with whatever you need.”

Because I was ready for anything.

* * *

As the Doubles’ postseason came to an end, salary negotiations began immediately.

This time, I visited the Doubles’ general manager for Choi Jeong-hwan’s salary negotiation.

“Welcome, Representative Kang.”

I greeted Kim Gyu-sang, the Doubles’ general manager, and sat facing him.

-I’m racking my brains over the next season’s pitcher plans.

-I’m thinking of !@x$ Go Ji-hoon.

The bullpen’s problems were what troubled the Doubles throughout this season.

The same was true in the postseason.

The Doubles had to solve this problem in order to achieve better results next season.

That’s why I was curious about how he would react to my proposal.

And the special characters appeared again.

It means that he wants to hide something about Go Ji-hoon,

From my experience so far, pleasant situations have never occurred when special characters appeared.

What is Kim Gyu-sang thinking about Go Ji-hoon?

“General Manager, you’ve worked hard this season.”

“Don’t mention it. Until now, you’ve been working hard on the field, and now it’s the general manager’s time.”

Kim Gyu-sang smiled leisurely and naturally brought up a new topic.

“I heard the news. Seong-min went to Hyun-woo’s agency.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Please take good care of him. I know too well that Seong-min is a very hardworking player, so it’s even more unfortunate. It’s not easy for me to play the villain because of the role I’m in.”

“You’ll be able to see him on the field again next year.”

“If Hyun-woo says so, I’m really looking forward to it.”

“He might hit a game-winning home run against the Doubles.”

Kim Gyu-sang gave a faint smile at my confident answer.

“Then, shall we talk about realistic things now?”

“Please do.”

I took out the prepared materials and spread them out.

Meanwhile, Kim Gyu-sang started talking.

“Jeong-hwan played well in the starting lineup this year as well. As our team’s 4th-5th starter, he maintained the rotation without injury and showed his ability to pitch many innings, and he showed his skills in the postseason as well.”

“That’s right.”

I nodded and listened to Kim Gyu-sang’s words.

“The disappointing part is that he’s a little lacking in pitching a high number of innings per game. Although he’s a 4th-5th starter, it would have been better if the average innings per game exceeded 6 innings. It would be even better if he lowered his 4.10 ERA [Earned Run Average, a measure of pitching performance] a little more and entered the 3-point range.”

To be honest, it wasn’t wrong, so I had no choice but to nod.

“We’ve all checked the detailed data, so let’s get straight to the point.”

Kim Gyu-sang seemed to understand, turned over a piece of paper he had, and continued.

“It’s definitely a solid performance as a 4th starting pitcher. Of course, we have to raise his salary. Choi Jeong-hwan’s salary last season was 60 million won [approximately $45,000 USD], right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“If we raise it by 100% to 120 million won [approximately $90,000 USD], we can sufficiently compensate for the value he showed this season.”

A 100% increase…

Honestly, it wasn’t a bad offer.

Although the ups and downs have decreased significantly compared to last year, it was certain that there were still many areas for improvement.

But it’s a bit much to accept it all at once.

“I appreciate your recognition, but shouldn’t we get a little more than that?”

While Kim Gyu-sang was lost in thought, I continued my words.

“He played a necessary role for the team even in important games. He didn’t hesitate to pitch in the postseason.”

“Then, how much are you thinking of getting at the agency?”

“I think he’s worth about 150 million won [approximately $112,500 USD].”

Kim Gyu-sang pondered for a moment and did not refuse, but suggested a compromise.

The next season’s salary, which was finalized after the adjustment, was 130 million won [approximately $97,500 USD].

It was the moment when Choi Jeong-hwan personally received a salary of over 100 million won for the first time.

For now, Choi Jeong-hwan’s salary negotiation ended without much difficulty.

I’m glad that I got a smooth and satisfactory result, but why do I feel a little uneasy in one corner of my heart?

Anyway, I have to say what I was going to say.

“General Manager, I have a personal suggestion to make.”

“What is it?”

“What the Doubles need now is a reliable relief pitcher.”

“That’s right.”

The weakness of the unstable bullpen was revealed as it was in the regular season as well as in the postseason.

“So, I’m thinking of recommending a closer.”

“Do you have a closer in mind?”

Kim Gyu-sang’s eyes widened at the unexpected remark.

“I’m not saying to look far away.”

“Then how…?”

“How about changing our Jeong-hwan’s position?”

“Position?”

Kim Gyu-sang tilted his head as if he didn’t understand what it meant.

“I was wondering if we should switch Jeong-hwan to a closer.”

“What, what did you say?”

As expected, Kim Gyu-sang’s reaction was as expected.