Hanwha Eagles Third Baseman Si Hwan Roh Posted for MLB Free Agency

Korean Baseball Organization star Si Hwan Roh is officially heading to Major League Baseball after being posted by the Hanwha Eagles. The 25-year-old third baseman was made available via the posting process, opening a 30-day negotiating window for MLB teams that expires on December 1 at 5 p.m. ET.

Roh signed an 11-year contract extension with the Hanwha Eagles last season, but the agreement included a specific provision allowing him to be posted this winter. Major League Baseball talent evaluators view him as a powerful right-handed bat at the hot corner, though questions remain regarding his defensive consistency at the position.

During the 2026 KBO season, Roh posted a .283 batting average with a .360 on-base percentage and a .505 slugging percentage, collecting 29 home runs and 96 RBIs in 571 plate appearances. A veteran of the national team who played in the World Baseball Classic this past spring, his potential transition to the United States will depend on whether clubs value his offensive production enough to accommodate him at third base or utilize him as a designated hitter.

Several organizations have emerged as potential suitors for the infielder, including the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Angels. Industry analysts note that teams seeking third base depth or looking for alternatives in a winter market light on similar talent could drive interest in the Korean slugger.

The Cardinals present a logical destination given their active rebuilding timeline and clear need for help at third base. Meanwhile, the Yankees face a busy offseason requiring offensive adjustments and may view Roh as a viable option at a lower price point compared to other international free agents.

The Mariners also possess a need for increased power and third base production, while the Angels could pursue the infielder to bolster their roster as a new ownership era approaches. However, clubs evaluating overseas talent must weigh historical performance trends, as recent position players transitioning directly from the KBO to Major League Baseball have experienced mixed offensive results at the highest level.