Yang Eui-ji Sets KBO Salary Record as Player Pay Soars

Doosan Bears catcher Yang Eui-ji has become the highest-paid player in Korean baseball history, securing an annual salary of 4.2 billion won (approximately $2.8 million) for the 2026 season. This milestone highlights a significant trend of rising player compensation within the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).

Record-Breaking Contract Details

The KBO announced the salary figures on Wednesday, revealing that Yang Eui-ji’s earnings surpass the previous record of 3 billion won, held last year by SSG Landers pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun. Yang signed a four-plus-two-year free agent deal with the Bears in November 2022, worth up to 15.2 billion won. His salary has seen substantial increases, moving from 300 million won in 2023 to 1.6 billion won in 2025.

This represents the largest single-year pay increase in KBO history, a jump of 2.6 billion won from his 2025 salary. This breaks the previous record of 2.22 billion won set by SSG Landers’ Han Yoo-seom in 2022.

KBO League-Wide Salary Trends

Beyond Yang Eui-ji’s record, several other players are commanding significant salaries. KT Wiz pitcher Ko Young-pyo ranks second at 2.6 billion won, followed by SSG infielder Choi Jeong at 2.2 billion won. Ryu Hyun-jin of the Hanwha Eagles and Park Se-woong of the Lotte Giants are tied for fourth at 2.1 billion won each.

The average salary for registered domestic players in the KBO League has also reached a record high of 175.4 million won, a 9.1% increase from the previous year. The total player salaries across the league amount to 92.7665 billion won.

SSG Landers lead the league in total player salaries at 12.47 billion won and average pay per player at 207.8 million won, followed by the Doosan Bears, LG Twins, and KT Wiz.

Foreign Player Compensation

Among foreign players, Kia Tigers pitcher James Naile leads with a salary of $1.8 million. Jurado ($1.6 million) and Diaz ($1.5 million, Samsung) follow.

NC pitcher Koo Chang-mo recorded the highest annual salary increase compared to last year, with an 800% increase from 100 million won to 900 million won.

Looking Ahead

These rising salaries reflect the growing competitiveness and financial health of the KBO League, signaling a positive trend for players and the future of Korean professional baseball.

FAQ

• Who is the highest-paid player in the KBO? Yang Eui-ji of the Doosan Bears.
• What is Yang Eui-ji’s salary for the 2026 season? 4.2 billion won (approximately $2.8 million).
• What was the previous highest salary in the KBO? 3 billion won, held by Kim Kwang-hyun.

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