Impasse over Kim's future continues
With each day that South Korean outfielder
Kim hasn't played a Grapefruit League game since Saturday, and on Tuesday evening, executive vice president
On Thursday, after another meeting between Kim and manager
Kim's two-year, $7 million contract says he must consent to any minor league assignment. Kim, who on Wednesday denied an interview request through his interpreter, must decide whether to accept the assignment or possibly return to South Korea.
Despite the organization's wishes, reports out of South Korea that cite Kim's representation in that country say he will not accept the assignment, instead requesting that the Orioles honor his contract.
“The Orioles are happy Kim is on board, but feel [he] needs more at-bats to prepare for [the] season, which unfortunately we don't have right now in Baltimore, and it is the reason [the] club requested [the] player consider [an] optional assignment,” Duquette said. “We recognize player rights, and we are glad to have [him] in [our] organization. We all look forward to his contribution to the club after Kim has more time to adjust to his new surroundings.”
“It was a razor-thin roster call choosing another player, given Kim's distinguished track record,” Duquette said.
Kim is a career .318 hitter in the Korean Baseball Organization, and hit a career-high 28 home runs while batting .326/.438/.531 in 2015.
Fox Sports first reported that Kim was resisting his assignment.
“Integral part of the rebuilding of this team,” Joseph said. “He played major roles in the success, especially in '14 that I was a part of. A great individual, a great human. I think you understand that it's a possibility, business-wise.
“But I think it's a shock just that it actually happens professionally. He's a great dude. He's a great teammate. He's one of my favorites. You become close with these people. It's a nasty business out there.”
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