On November 26, 2025, the KBO League was ablaze with shocking news. It was announced that Kim Jae-hwan, a symbol of the Doosan Bears, would leave the team he had been with for 17 years and start a new challenge. This was more than just the transfer of a player; it was considered a major event that would shake up the KBO League's stove league. In the 2025 season, Kim Jae-hwan played in 103 games, recording a batting average of 0.241, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs, a somewhat disappointing performance. This fell short of expectations considering his reputation, and Doosan Bears ultimately decided to exclude Kim Jae-hwan from the reserved player list, according to a special clause inserted in his 2021 FA contract. As a result, Kim Jae-hwan became a 'free agent' who could negotiate with other teams freely without the burden of compensation players or compensation money.
Since entering the Doosan Bears in 2008, Kim Jae-hwan endured a period of hardship and grew into a representative left-handed slugger in the KBO League. In particular, after emerging as the starting outfielder in 2016, he recorded a batting average of 0.334, 44 home runs, and 133 RBIs in 2018, sweeping the regular season MVP, home run title, and RBI title, and rose as the league's best hitter. His powerful swing and long hitting ability led the Doosan Bears to win the Korean Series, leaving a deep impression on fans, who called him the 'Prince of the Bears'. He has consistently recorded double-digit home runs and anchored the team's central batting lineup. Although he has experienced ups and downs in recent years, the modifier 'slugger' still follows his name. His career record in the KBO League can be found on the KBO official website: Kim Jae-hwan Player Record
Kim Jae-hwan's acquisition of 'free agent' status is heralding a major impact on the KBO League stove league. Generally, teams that sign FA players must pay compensation players or compensation money to the original team, but in Kim Jae-hwan's case, there is no such compensation burden at all, thanks to a special clause included in his 2021 FA contract. This will work as a very attractive condition for teams that need a left-handed slugger. Although he is not young, his presence, with a single hit, can invigorate the team's batting lineup. In particular, as he showed a rebound in the 2024 season with a batting average of 0.283, 29 home runs, and 92 RBIs, many people hope that the slump in 2025 was temporary.
Kim Jae-hwan's performance in the 2026 season will largely depend on his next destination and personal preparation. If he gets motivated in a new environment, putting the disappointment of the 2025 season behind him, the prospect of him proving his value once again is dominant. Left-handed sluggers are always a valuable resource in the KBO League, and Kim Jae-hwan is still an attractive card, especially when considering his compatibility with certain stadiums or the synergy with the team's batting lineup. It is unknown which team he will wear the uniform of, but his role as a veteran who will anchor the team and his leadership, which can have a positive impact on young players, can also be expected. His transfer news is covered in detail in SPOTV News: Kim Jae-hwan Leaves Doosan
Currently, there are many teams in the KBO League that feel the thirst for a left-handed slugger. In particular, teams in the metropolitan area or local teams that are not aggressive in the FA market but want to strengthen their batting lineup are likely to be interested in signing Kim Jae-hwan. The fact that there is no compensation burden will be a great merit for the teams considering signing him. Fans, while expressing their regret at the news of Kim Jae-hwan leaving Doosan, are also hoping that he will make a comeback again in a new team. His rich experience and the long hitting ability that still remains will be an important asset in any team. In the 2026 season, the attention of baseball fans is focused on what kind of performance Kim Jae-hwan will show wearing a new uniform.
Kim Jae-hwan's 2025 season was a year of regret, ending his 17-year relationship with the Doosan Bears. But at the same time, it was also a turning point in gaining a new opportunity as an 'unconditional free agent'. His career record of 276 home runs and 982 RBIs in the KBO League still shows his potential, raising expectations that he will be able to ignite the flame again in a new team. In the 2026 season, attention will be paid to what kind of team and what kind of performance Kim Jae-hwan will show to the fans. We support his new beginning and hope that he will create another interesting story in the KBO League.
Q1: Why did Kim Jae-hwan leave the Doosan Bears?
A1: There was a special clause in the 2021 FA contract stating that if an agreement could not be reached through priority negotiation with the club after the end of the 4-year contract, he would be released as a free agent, and he was excluded from the reserved player list because of the difference of opinion in the negotiation after the 2025 season.
Q2: How is the 'free agent' status different from the general FA?
A2: General FAs must pay compensation players or compensation money to the original team, but Kim Jae-hwan's 'free agent' status allows him to freely contract with any team without the burden of compensation.
Q3: What were Kim Jae-hwan's stats for the 2025 season?
A3: He played in 103 games in the 2025 season, recording a batting average of 0.241, 13 home runs, and 50 RBIs, showing a somewhat disappointing performance.
Q4: Where will Kim Jae-hwan's next destination be?
A4: It is highly likely that a team in the metropolitan area or a local team in need of a left-handed slugger will pursue his signing without the burden of compensation. There is no confirmed team yet.
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