Perfect Agent [EN]: Chapter 243

243. Inevitable Risk (1)

As the season passed the 50-game mark, significant shifts began to occur in the standings.

The most noticeable change was with the Dragons.

The slump, initially triggered by injuries to several key hitters, spread throughout the team as if it were contagious.

It proved difficult to overcome, even with Na Jun-ho’s valiant efforts.

Eventually, they slipped to 4th place, losing ground in the championship race.

The teams considered to be the top contenders for the championship narrowed to the Wolves, Buffaloes, and Jaguars.

The Buffaloes’ Oh Seok-hoon was dominating the league with a batting average of 0.375 halfway through the season.

Moreover, he consistently delivered clutch hits, driving the team’s offense.

This performance translated to 45 RBIs, also leading the league in that category.

Park Seong-ju, batting behind him, was also performing his role flawlessly.

He quickly racked up 12 home runs and was on track to hit 30 home runs for the third consecutive year.

Adding to their strength, Go Ji-hoon’s focus seemed to intensify with each game, resulting in a high win rate for his starts.

Go Ji-hoon secured 7 wins, tying him for first place with Michael Scott.

The Jaguars were displaying just as much competitive fire as the Buffaloes.

Jung Min-woo’s victory, which snapped a losing streak, ignited a surge of positive energy within the Jaguars.

With a solidified starting rotation, the team experienced longer and more frequent winning streaks.

Michael Scott not only achieved 7 wins but also boasted an ERA [Earned Run Average, a measure of pitching performance] of 2.38, showcasing even greater power and consistency compared to the previous season.

Unlike the previous year, Donald Watson was hitting with force from the season’s outset.

He posted a batting average of 0.320, along with 7 home runs and 35 RBIs, hinting at a season that would surpass his last.

Many fans were already expressing concern about the team’s prospects for the following season without Watson.

Furthermore, Han Gyo-jin’s confident emergence as a powerful hitter was a significant boost.

He unleashed his potential as a slugger and ultimately claimed the cleanup hitter [the batter who bats fourth in the lineup] position.

He only wore a catcher’s mask when Michael Scott and Jung Min-woo were pitching; otherwise, he played as a designated hitter [a player who bats in place of the pitcher], which helped him conserve his energy.

Seo Seong-min’s timely hits were also proving invaluable.

It was common to see opposing pitchers, worn down by facing Han Gyo-jin and Watson, surrender home runs and crucial hits to Seo Seong-min.

He maintained a batting average of 0.290 with 38 RBIs.

Recently, he had been starting as a second baseman and seamlessly transitioning to first base in the later innings, making him an indispensable asset to the team.

The Jaguars’ batting order, featuring Han Gyo-jin (4th), Donald Watson (5th), and Seo Seong-min (6th), was enough to intimidate any opposing team.

As the season progressed, the Buffaloes and Jaguars, fueled by their momentum, delivered strong performances and successfully overtook the Wolves.

Ultimately, the Buffaloes climbed to 1st place, pushing the Wolves to 3rd, with the Jaguars securing 2nd place.

Moreover, the gap between the top two teams was a mere one game, meaning the standings could change at any moment.

└It’s amazing how much FA [Free Agent] Lloyd helps when two key hitters are on the team.

└At this rate, both of them can easily achieve 100 RBIs.

└If you have a 100-RBI hitter and a 20-win pitcher, winning the championship is obvious, right? This year, the Buffaloes will win!!

└You’re funny, haven’t you seen the Jaguars play? Either way, they’ll be silent when they meet Michael Scott. You almost got a perfect game last season.

└Let’s play again. This time, Oh Seok-hoon or Park Seong-ju will definitely hit a home run each.

└The ace matchup will eventually be a home run battle. One of Han Gyo-jin, Donald Watson, and Seo Seong-min will hit a big one. The Buffaloes only have Oh Seok-hoon and Park Seong-ju who can reliably hit home runs.

└Let’s go Jaguars!! We have to shake off the disappointment of finishing as runner-up last year.

└So, is this year’s Korean Series Buffaloes vs. Jaguars?

└Sorry, but please include the Pelicans too. So Young-joon is doing so well these days. Can’t we just watch one game of the Korean Series?

└Pelicans, get out of here. This is not a place for you to enter.

While the regular season was in full swing, our agency began preparations for the following year.

This involved a project to facilitate players’ advancement to Major League Baseball (MLB).

It was crucial to actively promote our players to the scouts who were visiting Korea to observe their games.

And today, I had arranged to meet with Kim Sang-wook from Sky Corporation to watch the Jaguars and Buffaloes game together.

I had also scheduled meetings with representatives from various MLB clubs.

I chose this particular game because it presented an opportunity to see all four players who were potential candidates for a move to the MLB.

* * *

I arrived at the stadium two hours before the game’s scheduled start.

Since I needed to have quiet conversations while watching the game, I opted for a seat in the VIP suite.

This provided a secluded environment, away from prying eyes.

Looking out at the impressive stadium filled me with a sense of anticipation.

Knock, knock, knock.

Shortly after, I heard a knock at the door.

The person who entered was, as expected, Kim Sang-wook.

“Representative Kang, you’re here early.”

“I just arrived as well.”

I shook hands with Kim Sang-wook and sat down opposite him.

-I’m very excited to see four players at the same time in today’s game.

-There are many concerns from Major League clubs about Oh Seok-hoon’s physical condition, so I’m anxious.

“Is there a lot of talk about Oh Seok-hoon?”

It’s definitely a positive sign that MLB clubs are interested, but they’re worried about his physical condition…

Are they considering it a risk factor, regardless of his performance this season?

Kim Sang-wook pulled out the data he had brought and began speaking immediately, as if he had a lot to share.

“Representative Kang, MLB clubs are showing significant interest in our players. It’s very encouraging.”

“Who is generating the most buzz?”

“Donald Watson, in particular, is performing even better this season, and several clubs are eager to sign him right away.”

Kim Sang-wook seemed even more enthusiastic than I was.

“Watson is attracting the most attention, as expected.”

Given his proven track record in MLB, there was no reason not to consider signing him if his behavioral issues in the stadium were addressed.

“And Michael Scott is also generating excitement, proving that his performance last season wasn’t a fluke. It remains to be seen whether he’ll be guaranteed a spot in the starting rotation, but an MLB contract seems likely.”

“Oh ho.”

I couldn’t suppress the smile that crept onto my face.

Even when he first came to Korea, he was projected to be a late-round draft pick, but his situation had changed dramatically since then.

I felt confident about those two players for now, leaving Oh Seok-hoon and Park Seong-ju as the remaining focus.

I cautiously inquired of Kim Sang-wook.

“Then what about Oh Seok-hoon and Park Seong-ju? Is there any change in their prospects since last time?”

“First, I think it would be best to discuss Park Seong-ju first.”

I nodded and focused on Kim Sang-wook’s words.

“He is undoubtedly the best home run hitter in the Korean league and demonstrates solid defense at third base. However, his accuracy is somewhat lacking. There are numerous third basemen in the United States with good power who can hit home runs. There are also concerns about whether he can replicate his power in MLB.”

In the past, many hitters who dominated in Korea failed to achieve similar success in MLB.

Consequently, teams were understandably cautious about pursuing recruitment due to these past experiences.

“So, should I assume that the likelihood of him advancing to the United States is not high?”

“That’s not necessarily the case. He is the top player in the Korean league, so there is interest. It’s just that the terms might not be very appealing.”

“What kind of figures are we talking about?”

“Based on the ongoing discussions, I would estimate the total value to be around $15 million to $20 million. It will be challenging to secure guaranteed MLB roster status.”

So, approximately 20 billion won [Korean currency].

That wasn’t a substantial amount for an MLB contract.

Given Park Seong-ju’s current abilities, he could command a similar amount if he signed a free agent (FA) contract with a domestic club.

“We haven’t started negotiations yet. Let’s find ways to highlight Park Seong-ju’s strengths.”

“Yes, I understand. Shall we move on to Oh Seok-hoon now?”

“Yes. Fortunately, the evaluation of Oh Seok-hoon is slightly more positive.”

Kim Sang-wook continued with a subtle smile.

“He is a player with exceptional hitting talent, and he is demonstrating considerable power this season.”

“He’s really on fire these days.”

With a batting average of 0.375, it was no exaggeration to say he was dominating the league.

“However, as I mentioned before, you need to be well-prepared to address his injury history. This is especially important given his speed-oriented style of play. It’s somewhat unfortunate that he’s a corner outfielder [left field or right field], but he has a strong throwing arm, which can compensate for that.”

“What is the potential contract size?”

“If we can create a competitive bidding situation, we can aim for up to $40 million in total.”

$40 million is approximately 50 billion won.

Even if it wasn’t a massive contract, it was still an attractive offer.

“Is a Major League guarantee possible?”

“That aspect requires negotiation.”

The inclusion of a Major League guarantee can significantly impact the decision to sign a contract.

Spending the prime of your career in the minor leagues is a loss in many ways.

Unless the desire to play in the United States is overwhelming, remaining in Korea might be a better option.

In the meantime, it was time for the game to begin.

“Shall we continue our discussion while watching the game?”

I turned my attention to the field with Kim Sang-wook.

As expected for a game between two championship contenders, the Buffaloes’ home stadium was sold out.

The lineup featured Michael Scott, the starting pitcher for the Jaguars, as well as Donald Watson, Oh Seok-hoon, and Park Seong-ju of the Buffaloes.