Maybe he is the replacement for Kim Hye-sung (Kium Heroes), who is moving to the Major League.
Kiwoom Heroes has gathered veterans in their mid to late 30s through FA, trade, and second drafts over the past year or two. Judging that it was the right time to win the Korean Series in its own way, it invested boldly. As a result, Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) and Ahn Woo-jin (social service worker) faced a futile ending due to a series of injuries. Still, it was positive in that it could support young players to grow.
It caught Won Jong-hyun for four years and 2.5 billion won in the FA market, and acquired Lee Hyung-jong for four years and 2 billion won in the Futures FA market. Ahead of the 2023 season, Jung Chan-heon was retained for 1+1 year and 860 million won in 1+1 year, and Lee Won-seok, who was brought in as a trade for the 2023 season, was given a multi-year contract for 2+1 years and 1 billion won in non-FA. Ahead of this season, Choi Joo-hwan was acquired through the second draft.
It is a pity for Kiwoom. Most of the veterans mentioned above did not do their part. Won Jong-hyun finished the season with Tommy John surgery after recording one win, one loss, six holds and an ERA of 5.79 in 20 games in the 2023 season. He returned to action against SSG Landers in the 스포츠토토 Futures League on Wednesday after rehabilitation.
Lee Hyung-jong performed very well in the early days of this season, but was out for a while due to foot injury. He returned in the second half of the year, but was sluggish, and returned after readjustment, but is now out again due to an internal oblique muscle injury. He played in only 134 games over the past two years.
Also, Jung underwent back surgery after the 2023 season. He returned to the mound, but has to rest once he throws a pitch, check his physical condition, and set a date for his next appearance. He pitched in four games this season. His last appearance was against KT on Aug. 22. Lee also had little influence this season due to poor performance and injury. He recently started playing in the Futures League. Lee Yong-kyu was also out for the season due to a toe injury after a collision with Ronnie Dawson.
Choi, however, is different. There were ups and downs and there were times when he was rearranged from the second team. However, he has a batting average of 0.244 with 12 homers, 74 RBIs and 43 runs scored, and an OPS of 0.688 with a batting average of 0.290, in 119 games this season. In fact, his performance is not even close to his name. Choi was a batter who hit 20 home runs in Jamsil, Seoul. Abidge is not a good style by nature, but in the era of riding and pitching, he has a batting average of 240 or so.
However, producing 74 RBIs is important. After Song Seong-moon (96 RBIs), Choi has produced the most RBIs in his team. As he established himself as the main first baseman, he has displayed good defense capabilities. He has contributed the most to his team among the veterans he has recruited over the past year or two. At the match against the KIA Tigers in Gwangju on Sunday, he also had two hits and two RBIs.
Choi Joo-hwan’s four-year, 4.2 billion won FA contract with SSG will end after this season. He will be eligible for FA again. Choi Joo-hwan was recently asked about it at Gocheok, but he said the rest of the game is more precious. He is not a young age, and he has no choice but to think carefully about the FA qualification event.
For Kiwoom, it is necessary to hold Choi Joo-hwan whether he exercises his FA status or not this winter. Since Park Byung-ho left, he has not found a full-time first baseman. Choi Joo-hwan is a proven first baseman who can display long-distance power that Kiwoom lacks.
In addition, if Kim Hye-sung leaves for the Major League after this season, Choi Joo-hwan may return to second base. Of course, it will be difficult for Choi to completely fill Kim Hye-sung’s vacancy. However, it is certainly one of the good alternatives. He is not a small age, but he did not feel that his defensive movement has slowed.
Kiwoom is in rebuilding mode next year in a big way. 2026, when ace Ahn Woo-jin and Kim Jae-woong will return, is the season of real leap forward. Chung Hyeon-woo, the first rookie and special left-hander, also needs time to adapt to the professional game. The batting line also needs time for Kim Hye-sung to go out, and Song Sung-moon, Lee Ju-hyung and Jang Jae-young to fully grow into the new pillar. Choi Joo-hwan’s role is important.