He became the best catcher in Korea, but he never stops. Kang Min-ho (40, Samsung Lions) vowed to rise to the top again in 2025, when he will turn 40. 토토사이트

Kang accomplished many things in 2024. He played in his 2238th KBO League game in the spring (March) to become the player who recorded the most appearances in the league, and made his debut in the Korean Series (KS) 21 years after his debut in the fall (October). He spent the best year in winter (December) winning the Golden Glove award, which best player in the league by position receives. "I had a great experience as KS this year (for the first time in my life) and received a great award (Golden Glove award). I think it was a good driving force for me to prepare for the new season," Kang said. 

The year 2025 will be an even more important year for Kang. Taking advantage of his experience at the highest level (KS) for the first time since his debut, he will challenge to the throne this time. "It was my dream to come to the KS last year, but now that I am here, I have a bigger dream (to win). I feel really bad (because I won the runner-up title). I want to renew my commitment even more as I am nearing retirement." "I want to prepare well for the new season and make the finale good," Kang said. 

He will also take on the challenge for the first time in the KBO league. The year 2025 is the last year of Kang's third free agent contract. With the pace that he has continued to play in games every season, Kang will be able to qualify as a free agent for the fourth time at the end of this year. There have been six players who have signed three free agent contracts in the KBO league, including Kang Min-ho, Song Jin-woo (58), and Jo In-sung (49, retired), but none have successfully signed four free agents. Kang will take on the first case. 

Kang Min-ho is still Samsung's main catcher and one of the best homeowners in the KBO League. He played in the most games (136 games) among Samsung catchers last year, and pitched in the most innings (803 innings). "It is urgent to nurture a catcher to succeed Kang Min-ho," said Lee Jong-yeol, head of Samsung Group. The Golden Glove has been divided into Yang Eui-ji (Doosan Bears) for 13 years and reigned supreme. With his thorough self-management, it seems difficult for Kang to step down from the top. 

"It will not be easy (to become the fourth free agent)," Kang said. Soon, he has entered a difficult position. As catcher is physically depleted, playing full-time will likely become more difficult. "I want to be a free agent in my heart, but I can't apply for a free agent 'of course,'" Kang, who is well aware of this, said. "Now I am in a position where I have to compete with my juniors," he stressed. 

"My juniors have grown a lot," he said. "Lee Byung-hun (26) grew a lot last year. I hope he can lead Samsung's home turf well by gaining more experience this year." Regarding the league's catchers, he said, "I'm looking forward to it because Park Dong-won (35, LG Twins), a Golden Glove competitor, has come up a lot, and young catchers such as Kim Hyung-joon (26, NC Dinos) are coming out little by little." "I'm also a great stimulus for them to compete with." 

However, Kang has no intention of avoiding competition with them. Whenever rumors of his retirement spread, he has stressed that if he is competitive, he should stay strong until the end. "If he competes hard with his juniors, there will be a lot of synergy. I will use this as the driving force to gain strength this year," Kang said. "Now I want to have the title of 'Winning Player' rather than 'Player who has experienced KS'. My goal is to work hard and get the Golden Glove again," he said, renewing his commitment for the new season.