Doosan Bears Announce Roster Changes
The Doosan Bears announced Monday that they will not retain Son Ah-seop for the next season, releasing the veteran outfielder from their roster. The club identified Son as one of 11 players chosen not to be brought back.
Son, 38, spent his final two seasons with the Bears after being traded there in April. His departure marks the end of a tenure that included stops across multiple KBO franchises.
Career Hits Record and Recent Performance
Entering this season, Son held the record for the most career hits in Korean baseball history. He accumulated 2,655 hits over 20 seasons in the KBO.
Son first surpassed the previous record of 2,504 hits, set by former LG Twins player Park Yong-taik, in June 2024. However, he lost the top spot during this season. Choi Hyoung-woo of the Samsung Lions passed him with 2,734 hits in May, followed by Kim Hyun-soo of the KT Wiz, who recorded 2,691 hits in August.
Son's recent on-field performance has declined significantly from his peak years. He played just 54 games this year and batted .236, marking his worst statistical output since 2009.
A Long Journey Through the League
Before joining the Bears, Son had a lengthy career spanning several teams. He played for the Lotte Giants from 2007 to 2021. Following his long stint with Lotte, he joined the NC Dinos as a free agent before the 2022 season.
His career path continued to shift in July 2025 when he was traded to the Hanwha Eagles. He remained with Hanwha until being shipped to the Bears in April of this year, where he spent his final professional time.
Future Uncertainty and Defensive Concerns
Son's path forward remains unclear as he faces potential difficulties in securing a new contract. Many observers believe his long-standing reputation as a poor defender contributes to this uncertainty.
Additionally, reports indicate that his bat-to-ball skills have declined in recent years. The Korea JoongAng Daily noted that Son has an underwhelming defensive game, casting doubt on his future in the league.
Despite these recent struggles, Son's offensive legacy remains significant. He won his first batting title in 2023, a highlight in a career that otherwise shows a downslope over the past couple of years.