SSG said on the 14th, "Choo Shin-soo has decided to retire after finishing his professional baseball career at the end of the 2024 season."

Choo made the decision after much consideration. "I had a lot of thoughts with my family during the offseason. Whenever I did, I could see SSG fans cheering for me, and most importantly, younger players. I felt that much love for baseball and the team, so I agonized over my career path with the club," Choo said. "The new coach and the club needed me and respected my opinion. Next year's performance is important, but I want to contribute to the team by sharing my experiences and thoughts while training with younger players at the Futures team at any time depending on the team's situation."

Choo plans to play as a captain for the last time. The decision was made at the request of Lee. He also signed a minimum annual salary (30 million won). He plans to donate all of his annual salary.

"In the process of discussing his career path with the club, Choo Shin-soo recently informed the club of his intention to donate the minimum annual salary contract and full annual salary along with his decision to retire after the end of the 2024 season," SSG said. "The club has also decided to participate in the donation activities, and the exact amount of donation and various donation activities will be disclosed later."

SSG said, "Choo Shin-soo's minimum annual salary is a deep consideration for the team's management, and the club is very grateful for it. Thanks to this, the club will be able to expand its operation in the salary cap, player's annual salary, and FA."

"In addition, Choo Shin-soo also expressed his intention to donate his minimum annual salary, and the club also decided to join the donation to add meaning to the player's sincere move," he said.

Choo Shin-soo said, "It is time to end 23 years of baseball in the U.S. and Korea since 2001. As it is the last season, I want to give meaningful memories to the fans who have supported me so far regardless of home or away fans."

After graduating from Busan High School, Choo joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001 with a free international amateur contract and started his professional career. After playing in the minor league until 2004, he made his first big league debut in April 2005. Later, he was traded to the Cleveland Indians (currently the Cleveland Guardians) mid-2006 season.

His first game in Cleveland was a showdown with Seattle, a friendly team, just like his destiny. He gave a strong impression by hitting a home run in the game. After moving to Cleveland, he played in 45 games and recorded 42 hits, three homers, 22 RBIs, 23 runs, and a batting average of 0.295 OPS 0.846.

Choo, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2007, returned to his team in late May 2008. Since then, he has displayed consistent batting performance, posting good performance with 98 hits, 14 homers, 66 RBIs, 68 runs, and a batting average of 0.309 OPS 0.946.

Since then, Choo has continued to display stellar performances. He played 156 games in the 2009 season, posting 175 hits, 20 homers, 86 RBIs and 87 runs batted in with a 0.300 OPS of 0.883. He recorded the most hits and most games played in his career. He also recorded the batting average of 0.300 OPS of 0.885, recording the batting average for three consecutive seasons in the 2010 season.

Choo had a side injury at the end of the 2011 season and was out for the season. In the 2012 season, he had 168 hits, 16 homers, 67 RBIs, 88 runs scored, and a batting average of 0.283 OPS of 0.814.

He left Cleveland after being traded to the Cincinnati Reds ahead of the 2013 season when he could become a free agent. He had 162 hits, 21 homers, 54 RBIs, 107 runs batted in, 0.285 OPS, 112 walks, and a .423 on-base percentage. It is the most walks and the highest on-base percentage in his career in the Major League.

Afterwards, he entered the free agent market and signed a contract with the Texas Rangers. The deal is worth 130 million U.S. dollars for seven years. It is the largest contract ever signed by a Korean Major Leaguer. Ranked second is Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) who signed the contract on Wednesday, worth 113 million dollars for six years.

Choo Shin-soo played for Texas for seven years and also played in his first All-Star Game in the 2018 season. And Choo, who became an FA again, made his KBO League debut by signing a contract with SSG in 2021.

Choo Shin-soo, who was SSG's first recruiter, recorded a batting average of 0.265 OPS 0.860 with 103 walks with 122 hits, 21 homers, 69 RBIs, 84 runs and 25 steals in 137 games in his first season. He achieved the oldest 20 home runs and 20 steals in the KBO League, and left several records, including the oldest 100 walks and sixth place in on-base percentage (0.409).

In the 2022 season, he appeared in 112 games with 106 hits, 16 homers, 58 RBIs, 77 runs batted in, and 0.259 OPS. He played a leadoff role for SSG, contributing to "Wire to Wire" championship and overall championship. It was his first championship in 22 years as a pro, and he shed tears. This season, he recorded 97 hits, 12 homers, 41 RBIs, 65 runs, and a batting average of 0.254 OPS.

Choo will wrap up his stellar career as an active player after the next season. "In order to repay fans' love and support he has received, he has proposed various fan service plans for the 2024 season," SSG said. "He will end his career by making meaningful memories with fans, including a gift for his autographed uniform, a special signing event, and possibly baseball support." Details will be announced later.

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