SSG Landers re-signed foreign hitter Guillermo Heredia for a total of $1.5 million (down payment of 150,000 dollars, annual salary of 1.15 million, option of 200,000) and foreign pitcher Roenis Elias for a total of $1 million (down payment of 100,000, annual salary of 650,000 and option of 250,000).
As a result, SSG completed the 2024 season of foreign players with Robert Dugger, 28, who was newly hired on November 28.
Elias joined SSG as an alternative foreign player on May 4, contributing to the team’s advance to the postseason with 8 wins and 6 losses in 22 games and 131 ⅓ innings, 3.70 ERA and 93 strikeouts. In particular, Elias, as the team’s main starting pitcher in the second half of the year, consistently played more than six innings per game, showing excellent stamina and game management ability.
In 122 games in the 2023 season, Heredia played in the top ranks in various batting indicators, including 153 hits (8th in the league), a batting average of 0.323 (5th in the league), 12 home runs, 76 RBIs and 0.846 OPS (10th in the league), and displayed outstanding performances as the team’s central hitter. He also proved his best skills in outfield defense by winning 10 Bodhisattvas (first in the league) and the outfielder category in the KBO defense award.
SSG sought to renew the contract, judging that the two foreign players had successfully adapted to the team and Korean life based on their excellent work skills as well as their excellent work skills.
After signing the contract, Eredia said, “I feel great to be with SSG next year. I’m happy to see my beloved Korean fans again, and I’ll prepare well with the players from spring camp so that the team can win next season.” Elias also said, “I still vividly remember the fans who cheered for me and my family last year. I’m happy to sign with SSG again, and I’ll do my best to help the team win the championship with my team members.”
Meanwhile, foreign players who have completed their contracts will join the Florida spring camp scheduled for February next year.