KBO teams operate under a cap on foreign players, so whether a single slot stays occupied shapes a club's whole roster plan. Proven hitters in particular are hard to replace, which is why re-signing decisions tend to be made early.

Reversals of retirement announcements are not unusual in professional sport. Fitness, form and contract terms all move during a season, so the same player can reach a different conclusion at a different moment.

For clubs, uncertainty is the cost. Foreign-player negotiations begin as soon as the season ends, and a late decision compresses the time available to find a replacement.

At league level, long-serving foreign players have been good for attendance: the longer they stay, the more of a following they build, and the adaptation cost has already been paid.

Age and defensive load, however, may bring a positional adjustment. Using him at designated hitter would collide with playing time for others.

Hwagyo Sibo reports the remarks and their effect. Contractual matters stand as announced by the clubs.