Boston $2 Million. LA Cyclones $1.8 Million. San Francisco $1.5 Million. Tampa Bay $500K.
'Boston $2 million. LA Cyclones $1.8 million. San Francisco $1.5 million. Tampa Bay $500 thousand.'
"......"
Michael stroked his chin as he wrote the amounts each team had offered Yoo Min-hoo on the whiteboard.
'Tampa Bay's cleanly backed off.'
Michael narrowed his eyes, silently organizing his thoughts.
'But there's no way we can match those top three teams.'
$1 million. That was the hard limit on funds available to sign Roy Yoo. The owner had already drawn a firm line—no more than that.
'Is he using us to drive up his price?'
Michael scratched his head furiously before shaking it off.
Right now, Yoo Min-hoo's market value sat between $1 million and $1.5 million. Even with a perfect injury recovery, it was questionable whether he warranted first-round treatment. A year off in an amateur career was fatal.
Sure, he'd shone in Korean high school tournaments and ended with that switch-pitching gimmick, but it was too one-off to count as a real track record—and tough to evaluate anyway.
Boston and LA were basically giving generous credit to his past name value. There was no way he'd leverage this to push higher. Not even a top agent could inflate it much further.
Plus, Jack knew MLB dynamics inside out. Yoo Min-hoo's side wouldn't risk irritating a team just to squeeze more.
A fresh call from Boston had just come in.
'They're courting him hard.'
Michael shook his head once and picked up his phone.
'Gotta gauge their intentions precisely first.'
He dialed immediately.
"Hello? Jack. Michael from Oakland here."
***
"Ah, Michael."
Jack, eating lunch prepared by his wife at their home in Korea, checked his watch as he answered.
"Isn't it evening in the States? Not heading home?"
-Got a bit more work.
"A man needs that family side to be loved," Jack teased.
Kim Mi-hyun, bringing food from the kitchen, let out a soft chuckle. Michael chuckled too over the line as Jack straightened up.
"So, what's up?"
-Calling about the contract. Your son's got a lot of suitors.
"Yeah. Boston's making it tricky."
Their owner had even visited the house recently. Jack had come to Korea partly to help with his son's career path, but also to dodge Boston's relentless pursuit. Despite Jack insisting the decision was the kid's, they kept hammering that father and son both thriving as franchise stars in Boston would be picture-perfect.
-Bit awkward to say, but isn't Boston the best option?
Michael laid his cards on the table bluntly.
-Our team can't pay over $1 million signing bonus.
Jack replied as if he'd expected it.
"Figured as much."
-Then why us specifically? Boston's where the money is.
No matter Jack's superstar status with hundreds of millions in career earnings, $1 million wasn't pocket change. Pros should go where they're valued highest—that was the right call.
But Yoo Min-hoo was bucking that.
"Beats me."
Jack chuckled wryly.
"I'd love to tell him to sign with Boston. It's where I starred, fans still adore me. He'd thrive there, soak up all the hype. But he's dead set on Oakland. Nothing more I can say. And honestly, I don't get the Oakland fixation either. You'll have to ask Roy directly."
-Can I talk to him now?
"Nah, he's at school. I'll set a time and call."
Jack checked the clock. Michael said okay and hung up.
"Oakland, huh?"
"Yeah."
Jack nodded, continuing.
"They offered $1 million signing bonus."
Exactly half of Boston's.
"What's Roy thinking?"
Kim Mi-hyun murmured, looking puzzled. Jack smirked.
"He's got his reasons. You've seen it too—that kid's changed dramatically this past year."
She nodded.
"Ella's the real headache, though."
"Why Ella?"
Kim Mi-hyun tilted her head at his grumbling.
"Got her license and now she's nagging for a car."
Jack shook his head helplessly. She smiled.
"How about Christmas present?"
"Christmas? She's not a kid anymore."
"Still cute."
"Sheesh, sister's acting younger than the brother."
Kim Mi-hyun burst out laughing.
***
October 11th. Tuesday morning.
Yoo Min-hoo should've been at school, but personal reasons kept him home. Today was the day to talk directly with Oakland GM Michael.
Jack had scheduled it for 10 a.m., and right on cue, the phone rang.
Jack took it first, chatted briefly with Michael, then handed it to Yoo Min-hoo.
"Hello."
-Hello. Nice to meet you, Roy. Michael, Oakland GM.
"Roy Yoo."
Quick intros, then Michael cut to the chase.
-I know you've got offers from multiple teams. Heard from your dad you're picking us. Grateful, but... we've only got half of Boston's bonus to put in your pocket.
'Straight shooter.'
Yoo Min-hoo was impressed internally. He'd never expected such candor.
Michael pressed on regardless.
-So, why Oakland specifically?
Michael wanted clarity. He welcomed anyone taking their offer, but this made zero sense. It left a nagging doubt.
Yoo Min-hoo paused, then spoke.
"To be blunt... Oakland's farm system is the most player-friendly environment for minor leaguers."
-Huh?
Michael's face lit up in surprise at the unexpected answer.
Yoo Min-hoo continued.
"Oakland's small-market, but they invest in the minors more than most big-market teams. Heard they prioritize medical too. Sure, $1 million's tempting, but for growth as a player, Oakland's the best."
-......
Michael was speechless. Jack's jaw dropped listening in.
Yoo Min-hoo figured Michael wore a similar look.
Michael finally spoke, voice incredulous.
-You really a high schooler? I mean... haha... hahahaha!
He trailed off, then laughed heartily.
-Damn. High school prospect acknowledging that side of us. Feels weird. Most players only care how much cash the team can cough up. Especially young names like you.
-You really wanna sign with us?
"Yes."
-Great. Sending someone to Korea soon.
Michael sounded upbeat.
-Roy.
"Yes."
-Welcome to Oakland.
***
Michael chuckled again after hanging up.
'Best place for player growth...'
That's exactly how he ran the team. Yoo Min-hoo's praise hit home.
His methods would pay off big soon. Yoo Min-hoo had seen it firsthand, but Michael had no clue.
Anyway, his takeaway was simple: 'Unique.'
He'd pegged him as an oddball since the switch-pitching idea. Seeing the righty delivery confirmed he could actually pitch. But this call? Roy Yoo might be even more valuable than thought.
"Feels like we landed a monster."
He didn't trust scout gut. Only stats and performance. But this time? Strong hunch Roy would be a star.
"Not like me."
Chuckling, he leaned back and called the owner.
"Vince, Michael. Just verbally locked Roy Yoo. Yeah, that Roy Yoo. No, no—$1 million. Not kidding. Prep the money. Aiming to finalize this week."
The owner outright doubted him. Who wouldn't? Snagging a $2 million offer guy for $1 million.
Done with the call, Michael straightened, clapped lightly.
"Alright. Media's gonna buzz, gotta prep. Pick someone for the contract trip... Getting busy."
The organization would stir. But Michael welcomed the chaos.