'How could this be?' Home run champion volunteers to move to 'minor league dorms,' even the manager is watching closely... Will he write a dramatic comeback story?

*This content was translated by AI.

After struggling to find his hitting form for some time, Kim Jae-hwan (38), an outfielder for the SSG Landers and former home run champion, voluntarily moved into the minor league dorms.

On the 2nd, ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season home game against the Lotte Giants at Incheon SSG Landers Field, SSG manager Lee Seung-yong was asked about Kim Jae-hwan during an interview with reporters.

Manager Lee stated, "He is currently moving back and forth a bit in the minor leagues. We are watching him closely. Right now, (Kim) Jae-hwan has moved into the (minor league) Ganghwa Island dorms. He went there voluntarily. Second-team hitting coach Lee Myeong-gi is personally monitoring him. The two are seniors and juniors from middle and high school (Incheon Middle School and Incheon High School), one year apart. They are helping him recover physically and mentally."

He continued, "I think we need to give him enough time. Rather than promoting him to the first division just because he has completed a specific (10-day) period, we plan to bring him up only when he gives the 'OK' signal himself. He needs to regain his own confidence."

Kim Jae-hwan is from Incheon. He graduated from Yeongrang Elementary, Incheon Middle School, and Incheon High School. He joined Doosan in the 2008 second round, fourth pick, and has played for the Doosan Bears for a remarkable 18 years up to this season.

Last December, he made a surprising move. He left Doosan after signing a two-year contract with SSG worth a total of 2.2 billion won (600 million won signing bonus, 1 billion won annual salary, and 600 million won in options).

At the time, SSG explained, "For the 2025 season, the team analyzed its OPS ranking at 8th and slugging percentage at 7th in the league, identifying the strengthening of offensive power as a key task. We comprehensively reviewed Kim Jae-hwan's recent performance, detailed metrics, injury history, and adaptability. Kim Jae-hwan has recorded an OPS of 0.783 (on-base percentage 0.356, slugging percentage 0.427) and 52 home runs over the past three years, still possessing top-tier power in the league. In particular, at Incheon SSG Landers Field, his OPS during the same period was 0.802 (on-base percentage 0.379, slugging percentage 0.423), so we expect a higher possibility of rebounding than now if he can leverage the home field advantage."

They further emphasized, "Additionally, based on 2025 season tracking data, his hard-hit rate was 39.3%, and his barrel (ideal hit) rate was 10.5%, ranking second in the club. Following Choi Jeong and foreign batters, he is expected to play a key role in generating extra-base hits in the core lineup. Based on this, we carefully coordinated the detailed contract terms and the team's direction for infielder operations. Kim Jae-hwan also expressed hope for a comeback in the new environment of Incheon, and the acquisition was finalized. We expect Kim Jae-hwan, as a veteran, to pass on his sense of responsibility and expertise in the offensive department to younger players, contributing to the strengthening of OPS-centered offensive baseball. His performance will be evaluated within the same competitive system as existing players."

However, Kim Jae-hwan has not shown any notable performance this season. In 24 games, he recorded a batting average of 0.110 (9 hits in 82 at-bats), 2 home runs, 1 double, 10 RBIs, 7 runs scored, 18 walks, 25 strikeouts, a slugging percentage of 0.195, an on-base percentage of 0.267, an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.462, and a batting average with runners in scoring position of 0.179.

As a result, SSG removed Kim Jae-hwan from the first-division roster on the 27th of last month, a day off. At the time, Manager Lee explained the removal, saying, "I saw him unable to swing properly, just bringing the bat to the ball. He couldn't even swing his own swing. I told him to rest for a few days. When I see his balance or how he hits during practice, there is no problem. However, his mind and heart are complicated. Ultimately, he must overcome this himself. Even as a veteran, he is human. The season is long. We will trust and wait for him, so I told him to come back fully prepared."

Kim Jae-hwan has been playing in Futures League games since the 30th of last month. In 3 games, he has recorded a batting average of 0.222 (2 hits in 9 at-bats), 1 walk, and 1 run scored. Coincidentally, he also hit a single in the game against the Goyang Heroes on the 2nd. With Choi Jeong and Heredia primarily responsible for the team's extra-base hits, Kim Jae-hwan must ultimately revive himself for the SSG lineup to become stronger. Will Kim Jae-hwan be able to write a comeback story?

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*This content was translated by AI.