*This content was translated by AI.
The battle of the throne has begun over the protagonist of the KBO league's most hits. While the spring camp in preparation for the 2026 season has come to an end in earnest, there is no protagonist who must protect the throne. While Son Ah-seop (38), the No. 1 hit in his career, is stranded without a free agent (FA), "Living Legend" Choi Hyung-woo (43, Samsung Lions) and Kim Hyun-soo (38, KT Wiz) are pressing him fiercely. In particular, the difference in total hits between Choi Hyung-woo and Son Ah-seop is only 32.
Son Ah-seop is currently the No. 1 hit in the KBO league ahead of the opening game of the 2026 season. Son Ah-seop became the most hit player in KBO league history in 2024, surpassing Park Yong-taek (2504 hits). However, Son Ah-seop's hit clock has stopped as of January. I made an FA declaration, but I haven't found my team yet.
All 10 clubs have left for the spring camp, but Son Ah-seop has no promise for the 2026 season. The baseball community predicts that Son Ah-seop will eventually stay at Hanwha, but the contract is still in limbo. It's time to build up with his teammates in a warm campsite, but Son Ah-seop is focusing on individual training, so it's unclear even joining the opening game entry.
While Son Ah-seop has slowed down, the most threatening pursuit is Choi Hyung-woo. Choi Hyung-woo currently has a total of 2,586 hits. There are only 32 that are different from Son Ah-seop's.
Considering Choi Hyung-woo's consistency, 32 hits are a number that can be reversed in a month after the opening. If Son Ah-seop's contract is delayed and he cannot be listed in the opening lineup, the name of the KBO's most hit protagonist is likely to change to Choi Hyung-woo. After the 2025 season, Choi Hyung-woo signed a two-year contract with the Samsung Lions and is expected to receive enough opportunities.
The threat to Son Ah-seop does not end here. Kim Hyun-soo, who left the LG Twins for KT Wiz ahead of this season and gained new motivation, is also aiming for Son Ah-seop. Kim Hyun-soo is also 86 hits apart from Son Ah-seop with 2532 hits. Kim Hyun-soo was also guaranteed three years of playing time at KT.
Kim Hyun-soo is a slugger who is evaluated to be able to produce more than 150 hits every season if he plays one season without injury. If Son Ah-seop cannot find his team throughout the first half, he can even allow Kim Hyun-soo to overtake him. In the end, the longer Son Ah-seop spends "independent," the more he allows Choi Hyung-woo and Kim Hyun-soo to chase.
In fact, Son Ah-seop did not hide his dream of a milestone of 3,000 hits in his career. However, if the current situation continues, even No. 1 Mercury cannot be guaranteed. In the end, the war against time is going on. This winter is flowing harsher than ever for Son Ah-seop, who is precious to each game and at-bat.
The baseball community is paying attention to whether Son Ah-seop will dramatically seal the throne and protect the "most hit" throne, or whether Choi Hyung-woo and Kim Hyun-soo will become the new owners of the empty throne.
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*This content was translated by AI.
