SSG Landers outfielder Choi Sang-min (26) is concluding his professional career. Questions arise as he was a player who received opportunities in the first team until this year. The player first expressed his intention to retire.
On the afternoon of the 19th, SSG announced the news of outfielder Choi Sang-min's application for voluntary termination. According to the club, "Choi Sang-min conveyed to the club his intention to conclude his playing career and explore new career paths. In-depth discussions were held," it reported.
Choi Sang-min was once a promising outfielder aiming to become a developmental player legend. After graduating from Buk-il High School, he joined as a developmental player with SK, the predecessor of SSG, after not being drafted in the 2018 rookie draft.
Choi Sang-min, who had been a perennial second-string player, made his first-team debut in 2022. He appeared in 27 games, marking his debut in the first team in 2022 and recording a walk-off hit. However, in July 2023, he was identified as one of the perpetrators in a bullying incident that occurred in the second team.
At that time, he, along with pitcher Lee Won-jun and infielder Lee Geo-yeon, received a suspension penalty from the KBO Disciplinary Committee. Based on Article 151 [Conduct detrimental to the league], Lee Won-jun received a 72-game suspension, while Lee Geo-yeon and Choi Sang-min received a 30-game suspension. Lee Won-jun was dismissed prior to the KBO penalty, and Lee Geo-yeon was released after the 2023 season.
However, Choi Sang-min was different. He consistently received opportunities. After the penalty, Choi Sang-min dreamed of becoming a developmental player legend but ultimately did not meet expectations. Since the time of former manager Kim Won-hyung, discussions had been ongoing regarding how to utilize Choi Sang-min. The same was true for manager Lee Sung-yong.
This year, he was included in the opening roster and was deemed capable of showcasing his skills in the first team in defense and baserunning. Earlier this year, there were frequent moments of him lowering his head at key points such as failed bunts.
Ultimately, April 29 of this year was his last first-team game, and the following day, on the 30th, after being removed from the first-team roster, he was unable to return to the first team. He also did not participate in any games in the second team after May 17 and eventually decided to conclude his professional career.
His cumulative first-team statistics include 144 games, a batting average of .179 (67 at-bats, 12 hits), 6 RBIs, 22 runs, 8 stolen bases, and an OPS of .491, marking the end of his professional stage.
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