On the 22nd, the Samsung Lions officially announced, “We have signed a contract with free agent pitcher Kim Jae-yoon.
The contract size is 4 years and a total of 5.8 billion won (down payment of 2 billion won, total annual salary of 2.8 billion won, and total incentive of 1 billion won).
General Manager Lee Jong-yeol said,We recruited Kim Jae-yoon because we thought he was the best resource among free agent pitchers.
The bullpen, which was the weakest part, was strengthened.
I expect that the back door anxiety will disappear and the team’s performance will improve,” he said, expressing his thoughts on recruiting Kim Jae-yoon.
Samsung moved quickly to recruit Kim Jae-yoon. As soon as the free agent market opened, I contacted Kim Jae-yoon.
Because bullpen reinforcement was desperately needed, they wanted Kim Jae-yoon even more.
Samsung offered Jaeyoon Kim a considerable amount of money, and Jaeyoon Kim was able to happily sign the contract.
Kim Jae-yoon, who was contacted by SPOTV News that day, said, “Samsung contacted me first.
I think it felt more sincere in that respect.
He gave good suggestions as well. I felt like he recognized my worth.
He signed the contract with a happy heart,” he said, explaining why he chose Samsung.
Jaeyoon Kim was strong against Samsung. He also played 9 innings in 7 games this season and recorded 1 win, 1 loss, 4 saves, and an ERA of 1.00.
He said that although his performance was good, he had a hard time because there were many difficult hitters to deal with.
Jaeyoon Kim said, “Samsung had many good hitters.
There were many difficult hitters such as Koo Ja-wook, Kang Min-ho, Kim Ji-chan, and Kim Hyun-jun.
It feels good to be my colleague now,” he said with a smile.
He also imagined playing at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, Samsung's home stadium.
Kim Jae-yoon said, “Samsung is a prestigious team, so the fans are very enthusiastic about their support.
I'm looking forward to it too. Also, Samsung Lions Park is really good. The mound was good and I felt comfortable throwing the ball.
I want to get on the mound quickly and receive the support of the home fans,” he said, expressing his anticipation.
Samsung's biggest weakness was the bullpen. The Samsung bullpen's ERA this year was 5.16, the lowest in the league.
Even in games where they were leading, they often lost the victory due to bullpen arson.
Midway through the season, they traded away center hitter Lee Won-seok and recruited reliever Kim Tae-hoon to strengthen the bullpen, but it wasn't much fun.
Jae-yoon Kim is also well aware of the anxiety surrounding Samsung's back door. Jaeyoon Kim is hopeful that if he does his part, the team's performance will also improve.
Kim Jae-yoon said, “I think that if I do well, the team’s performance will naturally increase. This is a team with a very strong batting lineup.
Of course, his pitching ability is second to none.
There are many players with high potential. “I think I just have to do well next year,” he said.
Samsung has many young players. Samsung also expects Kim Jae-yoon to play a veteran role.
Kim Jae-yoon said, “Actually, there are not many close players at Samsung. I'm not very friendly either.
However, I will approach the players first, talk to them, and try to become friendly with them.
I want to have a comfortable relationship like friends, not a senior/junior relationship,” he said, and pledged to quickly integrate into Samsung.
This is Kim Jae-yoon, who left KT, which he loved, and became a Lionsman.
While he expressed his apologies to KT fans, he requested strong support from Samsung fans. Kim Jae-yoon said, “I am so sad to leave KT. T
he fans have supported me a lot so far, and I also have a lot of affection for the team.
I feel sorry for leaving the team,” he said, “but now I can wear the Samsung uniform.
He concluded the interview by saying, “I hope Samsung fans will support us so that we can do better.”
Meanwhile, Kim Jae-yoon joined KT in the 2nd special 13th round in 2015. In 481 professional games, he recorded 44 wins, 33 losses, 7 holds, and 169 saves.
He has established himself as a special closer in the KBO League by recording more than 30 saves for three consecutive years starting in 2021.