Si Hwan Roh Could Pursue MLB Posting After 2026–27 Season

The following analysis breaks down Hanwha Eagles star Si Hwan Roh’s record-breaking extension, the MLB posting clause attached to the deal, and how this move could reshape talent retention in the KBO. There’s also the cross-border market for South Korean players to consider.

It’s honestly a historic moment—one that blends loyalty, long-term planning, and the possibility of a future MLB chapter. All of it’s wrapped up in a contract that might change how teams approach their best domestic talent.

Historic 11-year deal creates a new benchmark in the KBO

The agreement with Si Hwan Roh is now the longest and richest in Korean baseball history. It’s worth up to 30.7 billion won (about $21.3 million) and stretches from 2027 to 2037.

More than just the money, it shows a real commitment from a player just hitting his prime. Roh’s 11-year term isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a strategic signal about how teams could try to lock up their stars long before free agency even comes into play.

Details of the posting clause and MLB price tag

There’s a key detail in the deal: a posting-clause. After the 2026 KBO season, Roh can explore Major League Baseball through the posting system.

If he’s posted that winter and doesn’t sign with an MLB team within 30 days, he just heads back to the Eagles, and the 11-year contract kicks in. If he does land a deal with an MLB club, the Eagles get a posting fee that scales with the contract: 20% of the first $25 million, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of anything over $50 million.

Basically, Roh’s guaranteed 30.7 billion won sets a baseline that MLB teams have to beat by a good margin to actually lure him away. The posting fee means the Eagles would get a solid chunk back if Roh leaves, but at the end of the day, it’s going to come down to fit and opportunity in the majors for Roh and his camp.

There’s also the wild card of the MLB’s own labor situation. A possible 2026–27 lockout could make international moves riskier for players thinking about heading overseas.

• Long-term trendsetter: This deal might push KBO and NPB teams to offer longer, bigger contracts to keep their own stars home.
• Clear price point for MLB talks: The posting structure gives MLB clubs a pretty clear sense of what KBO talent will cost.
• Labor uncertainty factor: The threat of a lockout adds real risk for anyone considering a move during off-seasons with labor drama.

Roh’s talked openly about his loyalty to Hanwha—he says he’s never thought about leaving and wants to start and finish his career with the club. The 11-year term feels personal for him, too; he’s got a thing for the number 11, and the long deal matches his dream of sticking with one team.

Roh’s on-field résumé and leadership fueling Hanwha’s ascent

Heading into his age-25 season, Roh’s built a pretty impressive KBO résumé. He’s posted a .264/.352/.449 slash line with 124 home runs in 3,347 plate appearances.

His best power year was 2025, when he hit 32 homers and helped the Eagles reach the Korean Series for the first time since 2006. Over the past two seasons, Roh’s played mostly third base, mixing solid contact skills with growing power and anchoring Hanwha’s lineup.

But it’s not all about offense. Roh’s stepped up as a leader, taking on more responsibility and showing he wants to grow within one organization. By staying with Hanwha and committing to the long haul, he’s become a symbol of stability at a time when cross-border moves are always on the table for top players.

What this deal means for the league and future talent retention

This landmark agreement might change how KBO teams structure contracts for star players. Teams could rethink their approach to MLB negotiations down the line.

If Roh’s path actually pays off, more top domestic talents might chase long-term, high-value contracts. These deals offer security but still leave the door open for a possible MLB move later.

• Retention emphasis: Clubs may start prioritizing multi-year commitments to keep elite players from testing free agency or heading to MLB.
• NPB and KBO model impact: Other leagues could copy this approach to keep domestic talent and maintain competitive balance.
• Competitive dynamics: With players like Roh setting new price points, teams and leagues will rethink how they value leadership, consistency, and player development in their own systems.

Note: All monetary figures are reported in won and approximate equivalents in U.S. dollars at the time of reporting, and subject to exchange-rate fluctuations.

 
Here is the source article for this story: KBO’s Si Hwan Roh Could Explore MLB Posting Next Offseason