'LG is not the first place...' The 2026 KBO rankings were also answered directly by '3 strongest-4 weak' → artificial intelligence (AI)

*This content was translated by AI.

With the era of artificial intelligence (AI) approaching, how will AI anticipate the KBO league ranking fight in the 2026 season.

So I asked AI (using Google's Generative AI Gemini) directly.

AI said, "We expect the KBO league to play and rank in the 2026 season by combining the transfer of large FA in the Stove League, the performance of the 2025 season, and the results of the rookie draft."

"The biggest variables are Hanwha Eagles' wide-ranging move (including Kang Baek-ho's recruitment), Doosan Bears' recruitment of Park Chan-ho, and the results of the rookie draft," he said.

The KBO league game in the 2026 season expected by AI was the "three-strong, four-strong, and three-weak system."

First of all, Hanwha was selected as the favorite among the three strongest teams. AI said, "The explosive power of the lineup has been maximized by the strong starters of Ryu Hyun-jin, Moon Dong-ju, and foreign pitchers and the recruitment of external FA Kang Baek-ho," adding, "It is considered the strongest candidate for the title due to his experience in advancing to the Korean Series in the 2025 season and aggressive investment."

After choosing Samsung Lions and Doosan as the top teams, he said, "Samsung showed its strength to advance to the postseason in the 2025 season. The young big guns corps and the pitchers centered on Won Tae-in are stabilizing," he pointed out.

Regarding Doosan, he also strengthened the center line by recruiting shortstop Park Chan-ho, who was considered the biggest FA fish, on a four-year, 8 billion won condition. He also evaluated that as he succeeded in cracking down on internal FA such as Lee Young-ha, he is likely to leap to the top.

The AI ranked four teams in the middle. LG Twins, NC Dinos, SSG Landers, and KT Wiz. AI said of LG, "A steady strong team, aging of some of its main players, and management of salary caps are variables."

Regarding NC, he mentioned, "The generational change has been made around Kim Joo-won and others, but a clear ace card is the key," and regarding SSG, "The dependence on veterans such as Choi Jeong is still high." He also stressed that the bullpen needs to be reorganized. Regarding KT, AI predicted, "How to fill the batting line gap caused by Kang Baek-ho's departure will determine the success or failure of the season."

There are a total of three teams selected by AI as low-ranking or goblin teams. It was KIA Tigers, Kiwoom Heroes, and Lotte Giants. AI said, "In the case of Kia, we are concerned about the weakening of its power due to the transfer gap of key shortstop Park Chan-ho and the difficulty of cracking down on internal FA. Kiwoom is expected to see the growth of prospects such as rookie Park Joon-hyun, but it needs time to make results right away. Lotte predicted that the only rebound factor is whether promising pitchers such as Kim Tae-hyun will explode their potential.

AI also pointed out the major points to watch in the KBO League in the 2026 season. The AI, which said for the first time, "Whether the 'Super Team' Hanwha Eagles will take the lead or not," said, "Hanwha, who showed strong pitching power in the 2025 season, completed the 'winning contractor' lineup by embracing Kang Baek-ho, one of the best hitters in the league. 2026, when Ryu Hyun-jin's last flame and Moon Dong-ju's heyday overlap, is the right time for Hanwha to win."

After taking out the "consequence of the FA market's chain of movements" for the second time, Doosan solved its chronic shortstop concerns by recruiting Park Chan-ho and strengthened its infield defense and mobility at the same time. On the other hand, KIA is expected to suffer a big blow as it has lost the core of its center line. KT also said, "The key is how much foreign hitters or trades can fill the spot where Kang Baek-ho's departure has left the core of the lineup."

Finally, AI, who brought up the "debut of 'monster rookies', said, "Park Jun-hyun is a right-handed fireballer who threw 157 kilometers of ball in high school. Attention is focusing on whether he will grow into an ace following Ahn Woo-jin. In addition, as the 2026 rookie draft had abundant pitching resources, it is highly likely that rookies with immediate power will act as "jokers" in the ranking fight.

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*This content was translated by AI.