Perfect Agent [EN]: Chapter 145

145. Difficult FA Negotiations (7)

Using the media or online communities during negotiations was an important strategy.

But the problem was that I wasn’t the only one who could use that strategy.

I woke up to some startling news this morning.

└According to the article, Kang Hyun-woo seems to be overspending?

└Honestly, Go Ji-hoon is a bit ambiguous. It’s a shame to lose him, so we need to keep him, but his durability isn’t guaranteed, so it’s hard to overpay.

└Even if it becomes a toxic contract in 3 or 4 years, he’s still a top-class starting pitcher in the league as long as he stays healthy, so we have to keep him.

└There’s a rumor that they offered him a 6-year deal like they did with Na Jun-ho.

└Seriously? If that’s the case, just dump him. The Doubles weren’t the ones to blame.

└Look at Kang Hyun-woo already obsessed with money. This is why you shouldn’t succeed too quickly.

└WTF, a 6-year offer for Go Ji-hoon’s age is ridiculous. No matter how you look at it, this is indefensible.

“This is ridiculous.”

As soon as I saw the article, I couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.

We demanded unreasonable conditions?

And a 6-year contract?

This article definitely came from the Doubles…….

So, this is how they’re going to play it.

It’s really fueling my competitive spirit.

I decided to meet with Go Ji-hoon first.

I needed to update him on the progress and confirm his willingness to transfer.

Even if he was indifferent before the negotiations started, he might have complicated thoughts once he actually had to move teams.

I thought he would have called me at least once to ask about the negotiation process, but Go Ji-hoon never asked me first during the negotiation period.

It must mean he trusts me and is waiting.

I met Go Ji-hoon at a quiet cafe.

“How are the contract negotiations with the Doubles going?”

“I’ll be honest with you.”

“Yeah.”

Go Ji-hoon asked as if it was nothing, but he swallowed hard.

“It’s not going so well with the Doubles.”

“……Really?”

“The final offer is 2.3 billion won for 4 years.”

“2.3 billion won for 4 years……?”

Go Ji-hoon’s expression darkened rapidly as he heard the specific amount.

“The initial offer was 2 billion won for 3 years, so it’s improved with additional negotiations.”

I added a quick word as soon as I saw Go Ji-hoon’s expression getting worse,

“…….”

His expression became even more rigid than before.

Should I not have told him?

“It’s still early, and we’re negotiating with other teams, so there’s still a good chance the conditions will improve.”

Go Ji-hoon thought for a moment after hearing my words and then asked cautiously.

“But you really didn’t offer the Doubles a 6-year deal, did you?”

“Of course not. We considered and proposed various contract conditions, but offering 6 years was not in the plan. Honestly, that’s too much.”

“I thought it was unlikely, but I was still worried. Especially with Jun-ho’s situation.”

“It would be great if we could offer senior players long-term contracts, but it’s more difficult for pitchers.”

“Then what’s the best offer so far?”

Go Ji-hoon nodded as if he agreed with me and asked what he was curious about.

“The Buffaloes.”

“Buffaloes…….”

“The difference in contract conditions is significant, so I think you should seriously consider the transfer.”

“You mean the conditions from the Buffaloes are good?”

Go Ji-hoon looked up and pondered for a moment before opening his mouth with difficulty.

“Yes, and I think we can make the conditions even better, but we need more discussion about including a guaranteed starting pitcher clause in the contract.”

“You don’t have to include it if it’s difficult. Of course, it would be nice if it could be included, but I can just show it with my skills. If I do well, they won’t have any reason not to use me as a starting pitcher, right?”

“That’s true.”

I’m grateful that he said that to ease my burden, but…….

I wanted to find a way to make it happen.

* * *

After meeting Go Ji-hoon and returning to the office, I organized the progress of the negotiations so far.

First, the Doubles.

Not only did they make an offer so low that it crushed our pride, but they also engaged in media play.

In reality, the negotiations were as good as over.

I wanted to get him a transfer to another team with much better conditions than the Doubles.

The most promising team for that was the Buffaloes.

From the Buffaloes’ perspective, signing Go Ji-hoon would make their pitching staff much stronger, and from Go Ji-hoon’s perspective, there was nothing wrong with playing for a team with a high chance of winning within a few years.

However, the Buffaloes strongly opposed including a guaranteed starting pitcher clause.

Go Ji-hoon said it was okay without that clause, but I really wanted to include it.

What should I do to make that possible?

And I was thinking of making a counter-offer to the Jaguars.

The Jaguars also needed to reinforce their starting pitchers to achieve better results.

While I was organizing my thoughts.

Lee Joo-hyuk carefully approached and placed a cup of coffee in front of me.

“Have a cup while you work, Director.”

“Thank you.”

The cup was filled with coffee and floating with ice cubes.

It was chilly, but there was nothing like an iced Americano to clear a complicated head.

He now perfectly understood my preferences.

“It must be difficult to meet with the clubs and negotiate, right?”

“It’s difficult because there’s no right answer.”

“You’re working so hard, Director.”

Lee Joo-hyuk came behind me and started massaging my shoulders.

“Are there any problems with the players at the dorm these days?”

“Everyone’s saying they’re resting since the season is over, but they’re still training hard. They’re not doing technical training, but their weight training seems to be the same as during the season.”

“They’re really our players, but they’re amazing.”

“Seeing them work so hard makes me want to take care of them without anything lacking.”

It was the off-season, but the players needed support, even if it was minor.

Lee Joo-hyuk was neatly resolving that part, so I could focus solely on the FA [Free Agent] negotiations.

“Ah, Joo-hyuk. Have you heard anything from the Pelicans?”

I suddenly remembered that So Young-joon’s salary negotiations were still not over.

“No. I’ve called the club and even contacted them in writing, but there’s no response. Should I go and visit them in person?”

“No. I’ll go there myself.”

It was definitely not a situation that could be resolved by sending Lee Joo-hyuk instead.

I should meet with the Pelicans’ general manager again after Go Ji-hoon’s FA negotiations are over.

* * *

In the meantime, I received a call from a completely unexpected club.

It was the Angels.

I was so taken aback by their sudden appearance that I was flustered.

I should listen to their conditions first, so there was no reason to refuse the meeting.

-We want to keep FA Go Sung-pyo and sign a new pitcher to strengthen our starting pitching staff.

-We believe that Go Ji-hoon is the best player to sign in this year’s FA market to strengthen our team.

If they were interested in signing Go Ji-hoon, why did they make such an offer when negotiating with Jang Su-young’s salary?

I couldn’t understand it at all.

I eventually got the desired result in the salary negotiations with Jang Su-young, but I couldn’t help but feel a lingering resentment.

While I was having those thoughts, Jo Jae-won started the conversation.

“You must be busy these days with Go Ji-hoon’s negotiations?”

“Well, yeah. I have to meet with several teams.”

“You’re working hard.”

His tone and attitude towards me seemed much softer than when we met recently.

“I didn’t know the Angels were also interested in Go Ji-hoon.”

“We need to be able to advance to the postseason starting next year. We can’t miss the opportunity to reinforce our starting pitchers.”

“Then how much do you value Go Ji-hoon?”

“Would about 5.5 billion won for 4 years, including options, be okay?”

It was definitely a much better offer than the Doubles.

I would have to wait and see if the Buffaloes would agree to a total of 6 billion won, but if they refused, the Angels would have made the best offer.

“What are the options?”

At my words, Jo Jae-won handed over the documents as if he had been waiting.

“We included the number of starts and innings pitched. It will be easy for Go Ji-hoon to receive if he completes the season without injury. The amount is 1.5 billion won.”

I slowly read through the clauses.

It was understandable that the club wanted to have this level of safety net.

It wasn’t a bad condition considering the current market situation.

“There’s one clause I’d like to add.”

“Please tell me.”

Jo Jae-won nodded in agreement.

“I want to make sure that Go Ji-hoon can take on the starting pitcher position. I’d like to specify it in the contract.”

“Guaranteed starting pitcher……?”

“Yes.”

Jo Jae-won thought for a moment after hearing my answer and then opened his mouth.

“Then how about guaranteeing it for about 2 years? We’re thinking of Go Ji-hoon as a starting pitcher, but we don’t know what might happen in 4 years.”

For the first time, I received a definite guarantee of a starting pitcher position.

It wasn’t 4 years, but it wasn’t a bad condition at all.

The total salary and the starting guarantee option are all good…… but why don’t I feel drawn to it?

“I understand the Angels’ thoughts. I’ll ask the player and get back to you.”

“I hope there will be good results.”

I finished the conversation and was about to get up when,

A good idea suddenly flashed through my mind.

It was a way to make the Doubles’ general manager bow his stiff head.

And it wouldn’t be bad for the Angels to know the risk factors.

“Before I get up, I’d like to give you some good information, General Manager.”

“What is it?”

“The Angels are planning to sign Go Sung-pyo, right?”

“Of course. He’s an indispensable player for our team.”

Jo Jae-won nodded as if it was obvious.

“Then you should secure Go Sung-pyo first. Another team might sign him before you know it.”

“We fully expect that many clubs will be interested in Go Sung-pyo.”

Looking at Jo Jae-won’s expression, he didn’t seem to grasp how the situation was unfolding at all.

It wasn’t a situation to be so complacent about.

“The player’s agency is going around behind the scenes. I know that negotiations with other clubs are already well underway. I wonder if you can afford to be so relaxed.”

“……YJ Agency is negotiating with other teams? We’re almost finished talking with them? Do you have solid evidence for that?”

“You know I’m not the type to exchange frivolous jokes with the general manager.”

“Uh…….”

Only now did Jo Jae-won’s eyes begin to waver.

“YJ Agency will transfer him to any club that offers even 100 won more. So, sign him as soon as possible. And don’t forget to prepare more money than you offered now.”

Jo Jae-won’s expression went blank and stiff as he listened to my words.

I lightly bowed my head and opened the door to the general manager’s office and came out.