Twins win bidding for Korean slugger Byung-ho Park

One of the top sluggers from the Korean Baseball Organization is likely coming to the major leagues.

The Minnesota Twins secured exclusive negotiating rights for first baseman Byung-ho Park after submitting a successful bid of roughly $12.85 million, the team announced.

Minnesota now has 30 days to negotiate a contract with Park, who belted a KBO-leading 53 home runs and 146 RBIs this season for the Nexen Heroes. The 29-year-old is highly coveted for his outstanding power and hit .343/.436/.714 over 140 games. It's important to note, however, the KBO is known as a hitter-friendly league in comparison to MLB.

The potential signing of Park presents an interesting challenge for the Twins, who are committed to three-time American League batting champion Joe Mauer at first base through the 2018 season. Kennys Vargas is also in the mix for some time at first or designated hitter next season. Using Park as the DH is also an option, but that means slugger Miguel Sano, who is planning to work out as a left fielder in the Dominican Winter League, might be permanently banished to the outfield.

The Pittsburgh Pirates lured shortstop Jung Ho Kang away from the KBO last year, and he impressed in his first season by hitting .287/.355/.461 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs in 126 games before being victimized by an aggressive takeout slide which ended his season.

Park will stay in Korea if the two parties can't reach a deal during the 30-day negotiating window, and the Twins won't have to pay the $12.85 million.