'Sent to the 2nd Division at Last': Kim Seo-hyun, 'Pitching Form Adjustment' Not Even Considered... Manager Kim Kyung-moon Expresses Concern Over "Loss of Control" [Gocheok Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

15 walks over 8 innings. That equates to 16.88 walks per 9 innings. Although he recorded 33 saves last year and led the Hanwha Eagles to their first Korean Series appearance in 19 years, there was no room to give more chances to a relief pitcher who had lost his control.

On the 13th, ahead of a visit game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, Hanwha removed Kim Seo-hyun (22) from the roster and registered Will Hernandez, who was scheduled to start that day, in his place.

Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) told reporters, "Whether he fixes his form a little or not depends on whether he can convince himself first; if he cannot, it will be a difficult situation." He added, "Since he is losing his control while throwing, I told him to go to the 2nd division and take ample time."

Kim Seo-hyun, selected first overall by Hanwha in 2023, appeared in only 20 games during his debut season due to similar issues and suffered severe slumps until manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) took charge in June of the following year.

Manager Kim and pitching coach Yang Sang-moon showed consideration to allow Kim Seo-hyun to pitch comfortably. Kim Seo-hyun found his confidence and rose as Hanwha's ace reliever. Last year, he took over the closer role, achieving 33 saves and establishing himself as one of the league's top closers.

However, his performance as a closer last year was not good. While the team was competing for the regular season title, he allowed two home runs to the bottom of the batting order in a game against the SSG Landers, causing Hanwha's first-place finish to vanish. It seemed this game became a trauma, as he showed severe struggles even in the autumn playoffs.

The fallout continues into this season. Although he started the season as the closer, he recorded two losses, including one blown save, and allowed three or more earned runs three times in 12 games. After being replaced from the closer role, he visited the 2nd division at the end of last month but collapsed in subsequent appearances, failing to record an out. He allowed 2 hits, 3 walks, and 4 runs (3 earned).

In 12 games, he was responsible for 8 innings, posting a record of 1 win, 2 losses, and 1 save, with an ERA of 12.38. He allowed 15 walks over 8 innings. He is struggling to throw strikes. His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) reached a staggering 3.00.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon had vowed to give Kim Seo-hyun three more chances, yet he did not use Kim Seo-hyun even in a situation where his team was leading by 6 points the previous day. Manager Kim explained the reason, saying, "We don't have a solid winning lineup these days, so a 5-point lead isn't that comfortable."

Kim Seo-hyun is still recognized as a pitcher with high potential due to his fastball velocity in the mid-to-late 150 km/h range, his wild form, and the unpredictable movement of his fastball. Since he lacks a fixed form, experts point out that the issue is not the form itself but the inconsistent release point.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon hinted at a pitching form change but drew a line, emphasizing that the pitcher's own will is important. According to the Hanwha organization, pitching coach Park Seung-min first proposed adjusting the pitching form, and it was confirmed that Kim Seo-hyun conveyed a cautious attitude.

The reason the pitching form is important is ultimately because control cannot be secured. If control can be stabilized without touching the form, that would be the best method. When asked if he would have Kim Seo-hyun change his form in the 2nd division, Manager Kim replied, "No. First, it's about control." Regarding a future call-up, he added, "We will consider it based on (pitching) content while watching him play in the 2nd division."

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*This content was translated by AI.