[Official] Kiwoom appoints Lim Ji-yeol as new captain in 2026 season, "a player who has been trusted."

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes selected outfielder Lim Ji-yeol (31) as a new leader who will unite the team on and off the ground in the 2026 season.

Kiwoom Heroes announced on the 25th that "Im Ji-yeol was officially appointed as the captain of the 2026 season at a meeting of the entire team ahead of the first training camp."

The club said, "Im Ji-yeol is a representative 'one-club man' and franchise player who has been active only in Heroes' uniforms since joining in 2014. He explained that he has been with the team for a long time and understands the unique team color and culture of the Heroes more deeply than anyone else.

"In particular, he has excellent communication skills based on his usual consideration and understanding of his colleagues, and he is gaining deep trust among his seniors and juniors. The club added, "We expect Lim Ji-yeol to faithfully play a bridging role in the team's composition with many young players and create a stable team atmosphere."

Early on, Lim Ji-yeol was selected as a strong candidate for captain in the 2026 season. Lim Ji-yeol, who graduated from Deoksu High School, played 102 games, the most in his career in the 2025 season, with a batting average of 0.224 (90 hits in 369 at-bats) and 11 home runs and 50 RBIs (on-base plus slugging percentage of 0.704). Above all, the scoring batting average was strong at 0.310, and the pinch hitter batting average was also 0.600, showing off his strong performance in chances.

Lim Ji-yeol, who achieved his first double-digit home runs (11) and stolen bases (13) since his professional debut, signed a contract of 110 million won, up 52 million won from 58 million won last season. In terms of the rate of increase, it is 89.7 percent. It recorded the highest increase among those eligible for the annual salary contract and rose to its first annual salary of billions.

At a meeting with reporters before leaving the spring camp on the 22nd, he said, "If I do it with responsibility, I think it will be a proud place. I will make the team one in my own style. He also expressed his determination, saying, "I can't drag him unconditionally and I think I should try with the idea of being with the players a little more."

Lim Ji-yeol, who was in charge of the captain's heavy responsibility, said through the club, "I feel a great sense of responsibility to be the captain," adding, "There will be shortcomings, but as much as you trust me, I will do my best to lead the team to come together and move toward the same goal."

Meanwhile, the Kiwoom Heroes, who elected a new captain, Lim Ji-yeol, began to quench the 2026 season in earnest, starting with their first training.

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*This content was translated by AI.