▲ Hanwha Eagles starting pitcher Wang Yen-chung pitches during the game against the Samsung Lions in the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League at Hanwha Life Park in Daejeon on April 16.
The professional baseball team Hanwha Eagles have renewed their contract with Taiwanese Asian-quarter left-handed pitcher Wang Yen-chung (25).
Hanwha announced on October 13 that they signed a one-year deal with Wang worth a total of $300,000, consisting of a $100,000 signing bonus and a $200,000 salary.
Wang was the first-ever player to be signed under the Asian quarter system introduced this season, and he has now earned the honor of becoming the first to renew his contract as well.
According to league regulations, clubs cannot pay an Asian quarter player more than $200,000 in total for their first year, including salary, signing bonus, and transfer fees.
When renewing a contract, the total compensation cap can be increased by $100,000 each year.
Accordingly, Wang's renewal cap increased by $100,000 from the previous $200,000 to $300,000, and Hanwha utilized the full amount to recognize his contributions.
Having received $100,000 in salary this year, Wang is set to be guaranteed three times that amount next year.
Having previously played in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball farm system, Wang wore the Hanwha uniform this year, making 26 appearances, pitching 133.2 innings, and recording 11 wins, 6 losses, and a 3.97 ERA.
He made a significant contribution by leading the team in wins.
Through the club, Wang expressed his thoughts, saying, "I am extremely happy to be able to continue with the Hanwha Eagles next season. I sincerely thank the club for believing in my potential and giving me another opportunity. I also want to express my gratitude to the coaching staff and teammates who helped me so much this season, as well as to the fans who always supported me."
He added, "Feeling an even greater sense of responsibility, I will continue to work on my shortcomings and become a player who constantly develops. I will do my best to repay the fans' expectations with improved maturity and better performances."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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