NC Dinos left-handed pitcher Gu Chang-mo was recognized as the team’s native ace.
NC announced on the 17th that it had signed a non-FA multi-year contract with Chang-mo Koo on the 16th. The terms of the contract are a total of 12.5 billion won for 6 years when FA qualification is obtained after the end of the 2024 season, depending on the results of international competitions in 2023, and a maximum of 13.2 billion won for 6+1 years if FA qualification is not obtained. A provision was also included to extend the contract period by the corresponding period when enlisting in the military.
It is because of the symbolism of being a team ace that NC has already left behind Chang-mo Gu, who left free agency for two years at the earliest. Koo Chang-mo joined NC in the second round of 2015 and achieved 10 wins in 2019 as the first left-handed starter for the club. In 2020, he also led the team to its first combined championship.
Lim Seon-nam, NC general manager, said, “I didn’t want to leave room for Koo Chang-mo to transfer to other clubs or overseas. We expect him to play a positive role both on and off the field.”
Prior to Chang-mo Koo, NC signed an FA contract with infielder Park Min-woo this winter for up to 14 billion won for 5+3 years. A total of 8 years is the longest contract period in the KBO league. Director Lim expected Park Min-woo to play a central role in helping NC become a stronger team as he decided to share the heyday of his career. 안전놀이터
After the season, Koo Chang-mo publicly asked the club to “catch Yang Eui-ji, Noh Jin-hyuk, and Park Min-woo.” After signing the contract, Park Min-woo said, “(Old) Changmo said congratulations and he likes it a lot.” Koo Chang-mo said, “Seeing (Park) Min-woo sign a long-term free agent contract, I also had a dream of becoming an NC franchise player, and I am so happy that I am closer to that dream with this contract.”
Director Lim signed with Koo Chang-mo and said, “There have been several changes in the composition of the team over the past two seasons, and the team is getting younger.” When the team’s players are young, they need an ‘axis’ to hold the center. NC added stability to the team power with long-term contracts with iconic players in Tuta.