{
  "id": 19775061,
  "title": "Key players behind Lions' Korean Series title run headline list of potential free agents",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/key-players-behind-lions-korean-series-title-run-headline-list-of-19775061",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T07:52:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/sports/20261113/key-players-behind-lions-korean-series-title-run-headline-list-of-potential-free-agents"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Samsung Lions' successful run to the Korean Series title this month has led to the announcement of 28 players eligible for free agency in Korean baseball's top league. According to the league, 15 players are making their first appearance on the open market, while six will be bidding for their second or third chances. Seven players who were eligible last year have decided to re-enter the market this winter. Among the prominent names is Won Tae-in, the veteran starting pitcher for the Lions, and Koo Ja-wook, the team captain and MVP of the Korean Series. Koo, 33, has reportedly hired U.S.-based agent Jaron Long in hopes of securing a major league contract. However, Lions officials are likely to attempt to retain their star player for at least another season. Koo's accomplishment of winning his first career batting title this year further underscores his immense value to the Lions organization.",
  "summary": "Two stars who played key roles in the Samsung Lions' run to the Korean Series title this month headlined the list of players eligible for free agency in Korean baseball, the top league office announced Friday. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) said 28 players are eligible for free agency this offseason. According to the league, 15 players are eligible for free agency for the first time, while…",
  "key_points": [
    "Samsung Lions won Korean Series title",
    "28 players eligible for free agency",
    "Won Tae-in and Koo Ja-wook top prospects"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The influx of veteran talent and championship performers onto the open market forces top clubs to decide between aggressive retention efforts and the risk of losing core organizational pillars.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "Key players behind Lions' Korean Series title run headline list of potential free agents",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/key-players-behind-lions-korean-series-title-run-headline-list-of",
        "published": "2026-11-13T07:11:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}