Lead

Former Major League Baseball first baseman Choi Ji-man has signed with the Ulsan Whales of the Futures League, the minor league circuit of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), according to multiple reports from Yonhap News Agency. The Whales announced the one-year contract on Thursday, with Choi formally introduced at a press conference at Munsu Baseball Stadium in Ulsan on Monday.

Coverage Comparison

All reports of the signing come from Yonhap News Agency's English-language service, which provided consistent coverage across several articles. The basic facts — the team, the league, the contract terms — are uniform across all reports. However, the coverage differs in depth and emphasis. One article focuses on Choi's introductory press conference, where he addressed his role with the Whales and his desire to prove himself. Another piece highlights his broader career ambitions, including his hope to represent South Korea internationally. A more detailed feature explores his rehabilitation from chronic knee issues and his conversations with other former MLB players who finished their careers in South Korea.

Key Claims

  • Choi Ji-man signed a one-year contract with the Ulsan Whales of the Futures League. The deal is worth 30 million won (approximately US$20,260), the same amount given to all South Korean players on the team, as reported by Yonhap.
  • Choi appeared in 525 MLB games across six clubs from 2016 to 2023, recording 67 home runs, 238 RBIs, and a .234 batting average. He spent his most productive years with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2018 to 2022.
  • In 2020, Choi became the first South Korean position player to appear in a World Series, playing for the Rays.
  • After spending 2024 in Triple-A, Choi returned to South Korea in 2025 to begin mandatory military service. He was discharged after three months due to a knee injury, per Yonhap.
  • Choi will be eligible for this year's KBO draft because he last played a Triple-A game in May 2024, and South Korean players who signed their first professional contracts abroad must wait two years after their last foreign game to enter the draft.
  • Whales manager Jang Won-jin said he will not rush Choi into action, noting that he wants to assess Choi's physical condition first to avoid injury risk. "If he plays at less than 100 percent, there will be risks of injury," Jang said.

Perspectives

Choi Ji-man's Viewpoint

Choi expressed excitement about playing in his home country for the first time since high school. "I haven't played at home since high school and I want to show fans the kind of passion that I played with in Major League Baseball," he said in a statement released by the Whales. He emphasized that he is not joining the team to teach younger players but to continue his own career. "I want to prove that I am healthy, and then I want to put up good numbers," he said at his press conference. He also acknowledged the pressure of returning as a former major leaguer, but stressed that he is trying to keep expectations in check. "Honestly, I don't think I will be feeling that much pressure to put up big numbers. I once was a major league player, but I am not one at the moment," he told Yonhap in a separate interview.

Team Management's Viewpoint

Whales manager Jang Won-jin indicated a cautious approach, prioritizing Choi's health over immediate performance. "I will have to see in person where he is physically," Jang said, adding that he expects Choi to be a "major influence" on the team's younger players. The club's decision to sign Choi appears aimed at both boosting the team's profile and providing veteran leadership.

Broader Context

Choi's signing comes as he works to recover from chronic knee issues that have plagued him since his school days. He has sought advice from other former MLB players who finished their careers in South Korea, including retired pitcher Kim Sun-woo and ex-slugger Lee Dae-ho. Choi said they warned him against putting too much pressure on himself. "They said if I keep thinking that I have to play well and live up to expectations, it will only make things difficult for me," he said. Choi also conveyed his desire to help the South Korean national team at an international competition before retiring, a goal that adds another layer of motivation to his comeback.

Timeline and Corrections

No corrections or updates to the original reports were noted. All articles are dated between April 23 and May 6, 2026, covering the announcement, the press conference, and a later interview. The contract amount is consistently reported as 30 million won, with dollar equivalents of US$20,260 or US$20,390 depending on the article, reflecting minor currency fluctuations.

Choi's debut date has not been set. He is still rehabilitating his knee and expects to start playing around July, according to his interview with Yonhap.