EX-MLB ALL-STAR CHOO SHIN-SOO ANNOUNCES PLAN TO RETIRE AFTER 2024 KBO SEASON

Choo Shin-soo, a former major league All-Star playing in Korea, announced Thursday he will retire from professional baseball after the 2024 season. Choo, 41, has been playing with the SSG Landers of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) since 2021, following 16 years in Major League Baseball .Choo began his pro career in the U.S. minor leagues in 2001, after signing with the Seattle Mariners out of high school.” I decided it was time for me to put a period on my baseball journey that started in 2001,” Choo said in a statement released by the Landers. “Since the 2024 season will be my last one, I want to show my gratitude to baseball fans, both at home and on the road, and give them long-lasting memories throughout the year. “After making 1.7 billion won ($1.3 million) this year, Choo said he will sign for the KBO-minimum 30 million won for 2024 and donate the entire salary to charities.

Choo said he had long discussions with his family over his playing future, and ultimately decided to play for one more season for his teammates and fans, noting their love for the Landers and for the game of baseball. Choo said the Landers’ new manager, Lee Soong-yong, had told him the club would need Choo’s veteran presence and respected the player’s decision to stick around for just one more season .”As important as my own performance will be next year, I am also looking forward to working out with our minor league prospects whenever the team needs me down there,” Choo said. “I want to help the team by sharing my experience and thoughts with the younger players. “Choo will be the Landers’ captain in 2024.Choo, the American League All-Star for the Texas Rangers in 2018, has a career .260/.391/.428 line in the KBO with 49 homers, 168 RBIs and 46 steals in 361 games. In 2022, Choo was part of the Landers’ Korean Series championship 스포츠토토존 squad