South Williamsport, PA, USA; A fan holds a Korean flag during the game between the Asia-Pacific Region and the Great Lakes Region at Howard J. Lamade Stadium. Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images

Korean Slugger Baek-Ho Kang Expected to Hit MLB Free Agency in 2026

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated Aug 13, 2025 12:22 AM ET

Baek-Ho Kang is officially gearing up for a major overseas move.

Paragon Sports International announced Tuesday that it had signed the Korean slugger to its MLB roster. Kang has spent the past eight seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization, initially turning pro after the KT Wiz took him No. 1 overall in the 2018 KBO Draft.

The 26-year-old will not be subject to the posting system, and will instead by eligible to become a true free agent this coming winter.

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It remains to be seen which clubs will make a play for Kang when he hits the open market, or what he will be looking for in a contract.

The San Francisco Giants gave outfielder Jung Hoo Lee the largest contract ever for a Korean free agent in the 2024 offseason, inking him to a six-year deal worth $113 million. On the other end of the spectrum, infielders Ha-Seong Kim and Ha-Seong Kim got $28 million and $12.5 million from the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively, when they came over from Korea.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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