Im Gi-young’s journey with the KIA Tigers began in 2014, joining the team as compensation for free-agent Song Eun-beom’s move to the Hanwha Eagles. After completing his military service with the Sangmu Baseball Team, Im returned to the Tigers in 2016 and began making an impact as a reliable pitcher in 2017.
During the 2017 season, Im cemented his role as the team’s fourth starter, finishing with an 8-6 record and a 3.65 ERA over 23 games. His contributions were pivotal in KIA’s unified championship run that year. In the following seasons, Im transitioned between starting and relieving roles, becoming a dependable workhorse for the team. From 2020 to 2022, he consistently exceeded 100 innings per season, showcasing his versatility and durability.
Im reached his peak in 2023, excelling under manager Kim Jong-guk’s system as a utility pitcher. He appeared in 64 games, recording 4 wins, 4 losses, 3 saves, and 16 holds with a 2.96 ERA across 82 innings—a career-high performance. Whether as a long reliever or a high-leverage bullpen arm, Im was an invaluable asset to KIA’s pitching staff.
However, his performance in 2024 saw a dramatic decline. Over 37 games, Im posted a 6.31 ERA with a 6-2 record and only 2 holds. Despite KIA finishing the regular season in first place and ultimately winning the Korean Series against the Samsung Lions, Im was left off the postseason roster, a clear indicator of his struggles.
Following the season, Im entered free agency. At 31, he remains a relatively young and versatile pitcher capable of filling various roles on the mound, making him an intriguing option for teams. However, as of now, Im remains unsigned, with the B-grade classification proving to be a significant hurdle. Teams signing Im would have to compensate KIA with either 100% of his previous salary and a player outside the protected 25-man roster, or 200% of his previous salary.
While several bullpen free agents, such as Kim Won-jung, Koo Seung-min, Jang Hyun-sik, and Noh Kyung-eun, have secured contracts, Im remains in limbo. Even C-grade left-hander Lim Jung-ho re-signed with the NC Dinos, highlighting the challenges facing Im in the market.
A return to KIA appears to be the most logical resolution, but no agreement has been reached yet. The combination of his recent underperformance and the compensation requirements has made negotiations challenging. Whether Im can navigate these obstacles and secure a free-agent deal remains a story to watch this offseason.
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