The Twins might have hit one out of the park Tuesday with the reported signing of Korea Baseball Organization slugger Byung-ho Park.
Park signed a four-year, $12 million deal with the Twins, who paid just under $13 million to earn exclusive negotiating rights with Park. His yearly salaries will be:
- 2016: $2.75 million
- 2017: $3 million
- 2018: $6.5 million
- 2019: $6.5 million
The Twins also own a team option for a fifth season worth $6.5 million in 2020, as well as a $500,000 buyout.
Park, 29, played for the Nexen Heroes in the KBO, where he is a two-time league MVP. His numbers over the past two seasons are staggering, having hit a combined 103 home runs while driving in 270 runs.
He’ll be a full-time designated hitter for the Twins, a role he says he’s fine with.
“I have no problem with being the DH,” Park said, via TwinsBaseball.com. “Obviously, I prefer to take the field but I also have to make adjustments in a new environment.”
Here’s a video with all 53 of his home runs this season.
Park will be introduced to the media at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
OFFICIAL: #MNTwins sign Byung Ho Park to four-year contract with a club option for 2020. pic.twitter.com/GzqVuS2CHf
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) December 1, 2015
