Kim Jae-yun, who once played as a catcher, has far surpassed the 200th saves milestone, a feat achieved by only six players in Korean baseball history: Kim Yong-soo, Koo Dae-sung, Oh Seung-hwan, Im Chang-yong, and Son Seung-rok.

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Jae-yun (36), the "closer" for the Samsung Lions, has climbed to the pinnacle of 200 career saves, a record granted to only six individuals in the history of the KBO League. He is now pushing beyond 200 saves, aiming for even greater heights.

On the 9th, Kim Jae-yun took the mound in an away game against the NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park, where his team secured a 5-4 victory. In one inning, he struck out three batters (Do Tae-hoon, Kim Hyung-jun, and Kim Han-byul) with dominant pitching, finishing the game scoreless. This marked his 201st career save.

What makes Kim Jae-yun's achievement even more remarkable is his unique background. Having worn a catcher's mask during his time at Hwimun High School and in the U.S. minor leagues, he fully transitioned to pitching starting in the 2015 season and grew into one of the KBO League's premier closers. After debuting in the KBO League with the KT Wiz in 2015, he recorded 14 saves in the 2016 season, including his first save, and began to stand out. From 2020 onward, he firmly established himself as a full-time closer.

Notably, from the 2021 season through the 2023 season, he recorded 30 or more saves in three consecutive years, becoming synonymous with a reliable closer. In 2022, he set a personal best with 33 saves, solidifying his status as a top-tier closer in the league.

Reaching 200 career saves is a "fortress-like" record achieved by only five players in the KBO League's 40-plus-year history. The legends who have reached this milestone include Kim Yong-soo (LG Twins), Koo Dae-sung (Hanwha Eagles), Oh Seung-hwan, Im Chang-yong (both Samsung Lions), and Son Seung-rok (Lotte Giants, based on the team he was with when he reached 200 saves). Kim Jae-yun became the sixth member of the 200th-save club, nine years after Son Seung-rok achieved the feat in 2017.

Furthermore, the Samsung Lions have now solidified their reputation as the "Kingdom of Closers" by producing three pitchers with 200 saves: Oh Seung-hwan, Im Chang-yong, and now Kim Jae-yun.

Kim Jae-yun recorded double-digit saves for six consecutive seasons through the 2025 season and has continued his consistent performance even after joining Samsung. As of the 10th, with 10 games remaining in the season, he has posted an impressive 1.80 ERA and recorded eight saves, firmly guarding Samsung's bullpen. On the 8th against NC, he also secured his 200th save.

The KBO plans to present Kim Jae-yun with a commemorative award in accordance with its award regulations for achieving 200 career saves. Having risen from a catcher to become one of the league's top relievers, it remains to be seen how far his powerful fastball will reshape the history of saves in the KBO League.

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*This content was translated by AI.