seoul: The Samsung Lions have officially announced the re-signing of Dominican-born pitcher Denyi Reyes and infielder Lewin Diaz for their second season in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). This move underscores the Lions' strategy to maintain a strong roster as they aim for another competitive season in South Korea.According to Yonhap News Agency, right-hander Denyi Reyes has agreed to a one-year contract valued at up to US$1.2 million. His deal includes a $200,000 signing bonus, a guaranteed salary of $700,000, and potential incentives worth an additional $300,000. In the 2024 season, Reyes earned $800,000, achieving an 11-4 record with a 3.81 ERA across 26 starts. His performance was pivotal in the postseason, allowing only one earned run in 20 2/3 innings over three starts. Reyes was named MVP of the second round against the LG Twins and was the winning pitcher in Game 3 of the Korean Series against the Kia Tigers, which marked the Lions' sole victory in the championship series.First baseman Lewi n Diaz has also secured his position with the Lions through an $800,000 contract comprising $500,000 in salary, a $100,000 signing bonus, and $200,000 in incentives. Diaz joined the team in August 2024 as the third foreign hitter, following the release of David MacKinnon and Ruben Cardenas due to injuries. In 29 games, Diaz made a significant impact with seven home runs and 19 RBIs, batting .282/.331/.518. His postseason performance was even more impressive, with five home runs and 10 RBIs in nine games, and a batting average of .353.Additionally, the Lions have re-signed their veteran free agent outfielder Kim Hun-gon to a two-year deal worth up to 600 million won (approximately US$428,020). Kim, who has been with the Lions since his KBO debut in 2011, will receive a 200 million won signing bonus and a guaranteed salary of 200 million won over the next two seasons, with a potential additional 200 million won in incentives. In the 2024 season, Kim achieved a career-high batting average of .302 over 117 game s, with nine home runs and 34 RBIs. He added four home runs during the postseason, including two in the Korean Series.The re-signing of these key players indicates the Lions' commitment to stability and competitiveness in the upcoming KBO season, as part of a broader trend where half of the 20 free agents this offseason have secured new contracts or remained with their current teams.
- October 12, 2026
