Ji-man Choi was born in Incheon, South Korea, on May 19, 1991. He is a South Korean professional baseball player for Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays (MLB).
Choi has the ability to play designated hitter, first baseman, and outfielder. In 2016, he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels, the New York Yankees in 2017, and the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018. Choi also played for Korea’s U12 and U18 national teams. His professional career began with the Seattle Mariners.
Before the 2010 season, Choi signed with the Seattle Mariners. To begin his professional baseball career, he was assigned to their AZL affiliate. In the All-Star Futures Game, he was named to the World Team.
In November 2015, Choi signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Choi was drafted in the Rule 5 draft by the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim in 2015.
Choi was named to the Angels’ Opening Day roster[11], and he debuted in the majors on April 5. Choi was waived off after hitting his first career major league home run against Texas Rangers pitcher A. J. Griffin at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on July 19, 2016.
Choi signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees and was invited to spring training as a non-roster player. He was promoted to the main leagues on July 4, 2017.
Choi signed a minor league agreement with the Milwaukee Brewers on January 15, 2018. On March 28, 2018, the Brewers bought his contract.
Choi hit his first career grand slam as a pinch-runner in the sixth inning of a Brewers-Phillies game on June 9, 2018.
It was the first grand slam of the season for the Milwaukee Brewers. Choi moved to the Tampa Bay Rays for infielder Brad Miller and monetary considerations came just one day after hitting his grand slam with the Brewers. Choi singled out the right field in Game 2 of the 2020 World Series, becoming the first Korean player to hit in the series.
Ji-Man Choi Salary
Ji-Man Choi currently makes $3,200,000 as his basic salary
| Year | Basic Salary | Sign Bonus | Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $3,200,000 | – | $3,200,000 |
| 2021 | $2,450,000 | – | $2,450,000 |
| 2020 | $314,815 | – | $314,815 |
| 2019 | $850,000 | – | $850,000 |
| 2018 | $86,830 | – | $86,830 |
| 2018 | $379,310 | – | $379,310 |
| 2017 | $700,000 | – | $700,000 |
| 2016 | $323,232 | – | $323,232 |
| 2014 | $500,000 | – | $500,000 |
