'Development Player → Released → MVP → Released → Returned': Seo Geon-chang on the twists and turns, "Every game is precious" — Kiwoom Heroes' flashy leadoff batter revival

*This content was translated by AI.

It is not easy to find a player with such a tumultuous journey. After circling back to Kiwoom Heroes, Seo Geon-chang (37) appears to have found his place, delivering outstanding performances and providing significant support to the team.

On the 13th, Seo Geon-chang started as the designated hitter for the first spot in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against Hanwha Eagles at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome. He went 2-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored, leading his team to a 3-2 victory.

After injuring his finger during spring training and undergoing rehabilitation, Seo was called up to the first division on the 9th. In four games, he has posted a batting average of 0.313 (5 hits in 16 at-bats), six runs scored, an on-base percentage of 0.476, a slugging percentage of 0.313, an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.789, and a batting average with runners in scoring position of 0.750, leaving a tremendous impact.

Seo Geon-chang began his professional career as a development player for the LG Twins in 2008. After being released in 2009, he joined Nexen (the predecessor of Kiwoom) following a tryout in 2012 and began to make a name for himself. He quickly rose to become a regular starter for the Heroes, achieving a batting average of 0.370 and 201 hits in 2014, becoming the first player in league history to reach 200 hits in a season. He also enjoyed the honor of the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Seo continued to excel with the Heroes, but in 2021, he was traded to the LG Twins, marking the beginning of a downward trend. After being released by LG, he signed with the KIA Tigers and played for his hometown team, where he soared with a .300 batting average that year, only to fall into another slump and ultimately face the pain of being released again.

The team that had seen Seo at his peak, his original club Kiwoom, extended a hand to him when he was a free agent. In January, he signed a one-year contract worth 120 million won with Kiwoom, returning after five years.

Although his return was delayed due to injury, he has immediately become a major asset since being added to the first-division roster. In particular, since returning to the leadoff spot in the Hanwha game on the 12th, he has delivered performances reminiscent of his prime. As the Heroes' established leadoff hitter, Seo Geon-chang appeared as the leadoff batter for the first time in 396 days since the SSG Landers game on April 11 last year while with KIA, and took on the role of the top batter for the first time in 1,775 days since the Suwon KT Wiz game on July 2, 2021, while with the Heroes.

It was Seo Geon-chang who troubled Hanwha's starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin the previous day. He reached base with a line drive single to center field with two outs in the fifth inning, shaking up Ryu Hyun-jin, and later scored a run. In the sixth inning, he hit a sacrifice fly with one RBI against the reliever Lee Sang-gyu.

On this day, he reached base via a hit-by-pitch in the first inning and scored the first run when Choi Ju-hwan hit a single and Im Byung-wook hit a double. In the fourth inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, he hit a sacrifice fly to left field with one RBI against Will Hernandez, forcing the pitcher out of the game, and added another hit in the eighth inning to complete a multi-hit game.

After the game, manager Seol Jong-jin praised the team's lineup, stating, "The lineup set the early tone with Im Byung-wook's go-ahead RBI single in the first inning, and veteran Seo Geon-chang's sacrifice fly in the fourth inning extended our lead." He added, "Thanks to Seo Geon-chang scoring additional runs, we were able to maintain our momentum."

Seo Geon-chang also shared his thoughts, saying, "The team was in a difficult situation, and the youngest pitcher stepped up and pitched well. I felt a responsibility to support the position players, and I think that mindset led to good results at the plate."

Given that he had expected his playing career to end, this opportunity feels like a miracle, making it even more precious. Seo Geon-chang said, "Every game is truly precious, and I am preparing carefully for each one. From before the game until it ends, I think the most about how we can win."

His mere presence is a great source of strength for younger players. Having experienced more ups and downs than anyone else, Seo Geon-chang understands the hearts of his teammates well. He said, "I may be a veteran now, but I had my own youth. I remember having a lot of fun playing baseball under reliable senior players back then. I often tell the younger players to play freely without feeling burdened, hoping they can do the same."

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*This content was translated by AI.