KIA's unexpected '3:3 big trade' signs of a huge hit, and the head coach's praise for the age of 20 has exploded"

*This content was translated by AI.

KIA Tigers infielder Chung Hyeon-chang (20) tasted a home run on the first-team stage for the first time since his professional debut.

Chung Hyun-chang started as ninth hitter and second baseman in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League exhibition game against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 21st, and flew 2 hits, 3 RBIs, 1 run, 1 walk, and 1 stolen base in 4 at-bats, including one home run. He also showed stable performance in defense and made a clear impression.

After the game, Chung Hyun-chang played in nine exhibition games this year, batting average of 0.278 (5 hits in 18 at-bats) with one home run, six RBIs and seven runs, two steals (failed 0), two walks, a ball with five strikeouts, a slugging percentage of 0.444, an on-base percentage of 0.381, an on-base percentage of 0.825, and a scoring average of 0.333.

Chung Hyun-chang's home run came in the top of the third inning when the two teams faced 0-0. After leadoff hitter Lee Chang-jin got on base due to opponent starter Choi Seung-yong's catch error, subsequent Kim Tae-gun drew a walk. First and second base with no outs. The next batter is Jung Hyun-chang. Here, KIA made a sacrifice bunt at the first pitch, but Jeong Hyeon-chang recorded a foul. Second ball is a swing and miss. In the end, I had no choice but to switch to strong. This was rather beneficial.

Chung Hyun-chang hit a 145-kilometer fastball in the middle of Choi Seung-yong's third pitch and connected it with a 125m three-run shot over the right-center fence. It was Chung Hyeon-chang's first home run on the first team stage in the Futures League last season, when he hit one home run (against KT on March 21) for the NC Dinos.

Chung Hyun-chang's performance did not stop there. In the fourth inning, he got on base with a walk for the fifth time in the absence of a runner with one out. In the sixth inning, he struck out three pitches. In the eighth inning, he completed the third base game by hitting a hit that fell inside the right wing line with no outs. However, in the ninth inning, he struck out three pitches and finished his at-bat on the day.

In the end, KIA was able to win 11-6 with Chung Hyun-chang's three-run shot, Yoon Do-hyun's multi-homer in the third and fifth innings, and starting nail's five scoreless innings.

Chung Hyun-chang is one of the main characters recruited by KIA at the end of July last year when the NC Dinos made a 3:3 mega trade. At that time, KIA made a 3:3 trade in which it received pitchers Kim Si-hoon, Han Jae-seung, and infielder Chung Hyeon-chang from NC instead of sending out outfielders Choi Won-joon, Lee Woo-sung (31), and infielder Hong Jong-pyo to NC.

After graduating from Gimhae Bugok Elementary School, Busan Tohyeon Middle School, and Busan Technical High School, Jung Hyun-chang joined NC as the 67th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 rookie draft. The down payment for joining the team is 50 million won. Before being traded to KIA last year, he played in four games in the first division and played six at-bats, and in 49 games in the Futures League, he had 43 hits, one home run, six steals, 19 RBIs, 29 runs and a batting average of 0.321.

At the time of recruitment, KIA general manager Shim Jae-hak expressed expectations on Chung Hyeon-chang, saying, "He has compliance contact and good defense capabilities, which will greatly contribute to strengthening the team's competitiveness in the future."

After the game, head coach Lee Bum-ho said, "I think I have no choice but to praise Chung Hyeon-chang in this game. He literally showed everything he could do in offense and defense. I hope you continue your current performance in the regular season," he said, giving high praise.

Chung Hyeon-chang met with reporters after the game and said, "It was a foul on the sacrifice bunt sign, and the fake bunt and slash operation came out next, but the result was bad. I was wondering what to do inside, but I turned the ball because I saw it. I think I fell for it because it hit me well. At first, I didn't know it would go over," he said, explaining the situation at the time of the home run. "I gained some weight during the offseason, but I try not to lose it. I want to build more muscles and make it a complete body. First of all, the first goal is to survive the opening entry," he said, renewing his determination. With the 2026 season as a backup, how will he perform this year. KIA fans' expectations are growing.

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*This content was translated by AI.