They were all smiles at the arrival of their veteran seniors.

Hanwha Eagles starting pitcher Moon Dong-ju and infielder Noh Si-hwan were surprised when they returned home from the Asian Professional Baseball Championship (APBC) 2023 through Gimpo Airport on Tuesday, as they received unexpected news.

Hanwha officially announced the signing of former Lotte Giants infielder Ahn Chi-hong, who was a free agent on the same day. He will sign a four-year contract totaling 5.5 billion won, including 4.7 billion won guaranteed and 800 million won in options. The second two years of the contract are subject to a mutual option, which gives both the club and the player the right to choose, and if the contract is extended, it will be worth a total of 1.7 billion won, including 1.3 billion won guaranteed for two years and 400 million won in options.

Moon Dong-ju said, "I looked up his opponents' records this year. I saw that you went 3-for-3 in four at-bats," he said, adding with a laugh, "I'm grateful that you came to Hanwha because it was so hard for me every time we met because you hit all my balls." He added, "I think I'll be really strong (on defense). I will throw harder," he added.

This season, Moon went 8-8 with a 3.72 ERA, a .249 batting average, and a 1.31 WHIP in 23 games and 118⅔ innings pitched. With his main nemesis now an ally, he should be able to pitch with more poise next season. 온라인카지노

Noh also welcomed the senior to the team. "I saw (the news) after I arrived at Gimpo Airport. I think there will be synergy in the batting lineup," he said. "He's a very good hitter, so he'll give the batting lineup a boost. He's a good hitter, so I think he'll help us a lot," he smiled.

Noh Si-hwan has been batting third for Hanwha this year. In 131 games, he batted .298 (514-for-153) with 31 home runs and 101 RBIs. He won the home run and RBI titles for the first time since his debut in 2019. Next year, he will be joined by the veteran Ahn Chi-hong to add weight to the batting order. The veteran second baseman can also provide stability for Hanwha's main third baseman, Noh Si-hwan.

Ahn made his debut with the KIA Tigers in 2009 before moving to Lotte as a free agent in 2020. After four seasons, he became a free agent again this year and joined Hanwha. In 1620 career games, he has a .297 batting average, 1,687 hits, 140 home runs, and 843 RBIs. This season, he batted .292 (124-for-425) with eight home runs and 63 RBIs in 121 games. He played 699 innings at second base with two errors and 211 innings at first base with two errors.

After signing with Hanwha, Ahn said, "As a team with many young players, I will be an example in all aspects. I think I have a lot to share as a veteran." "Hanwha is definitely a team with a lot of potential. I want to be a player who can contribute to the team's leap forward." "Ahn's strength is his consistency. He has been stable in the field and has played around 120 games in almost every season since his debut, with no major ups and downs," said Han. "The addition of Ahn Chi-hong not only strengthens our batting lineup, but also provides us with an excellent resource on defense. He is a player who can play both second and first base."