MLB Rumors: New Pittsburgh Pirates First Baseman Angry With Team

The relationship between the Pittsburgh Pirates and their new first baseman, Ji-Man Choi, has had a rocky start.

The Pirates recently raised concerns about Choi's participation in the World Baseball Classic, resulting in his removal from South Korea's roster.

Ji-Man Choi says he was "deeply hurt" by the decision to keep him out of the WBC for medical reasons.

Arbitration and now this

Not a good start for the Pirates and their new first basemen

— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) February 6, 2023

Choi was removed from South Korea's WBC roster this week after the Pirates expressed concern about a minor elbow procedure Choi underwent in November.

This caused disappointment and frustration for Choi, who stated he was fully recovered from a minor elbow procedure he underwent in November and there was nothing that suggested he had a setback with his recovery. He even reported being healthy enough to take live batting practice.

"I was healthy enough to take live batting practice recently," Choi told reporters. " I was extremely disappointed and deeply hurt because I was building up nicely for the national team training camp in the middle of this month and the first round of the WBC." 

It's a bad start to the Pirates and Ji Man-Choi's relationship, whom Pittsburgh acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in November. 

However, this is not the only issue between the two sides. They also have a disagreement over Choi's salary for 2023, with Choi asking for $5.4 million and the Pirates offering $4.65 million, a fairly significant gap. Photo Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports