'Overpay? There’s no such thing as a filial FA.' With the batting title within reach, it was trust that propelled Choi Won-jun, who posted a .456 batting average in May.

*This content was translated by AI.

Despite being labeled an overpay, Choi Won-jun (29, KT Wiz) is delivering the best performance of his career, seemingly mocking that assessment. He has emerged as a model free agent (FA) who shines even brighter after signing his contract.

On the 23rd, Choi Won-jun started as the leadoff right fielder in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against NC Dinos at Suwon KT Wiz Park. He went 4-for-5 with one RBI and two runs scored, delivering a powerful performance that led KT to a 10-5 victory.

Facing NC ace Koo Chang-mo as the leadoff hitter, Choi Won-jun hit a left-field single in the first inning. Following hits from subsequent batters, he helped secure the first run. In the second inning, with one out and runners on second and third, he used his speed to hit an infield single, driving in the go-ahead run.

In the third inning, with one out and runners on first and second, he hit another infield single to load the bases. Following consecutive powerful hits from subsequent batters, he crossed home plate. KT, which had already built a double-digit lead by the third inning after replacing starter Koo Chang-mo, returned to the top of the standings with a satisfying two-game winning streak.

Choi Won-jun began his professional career as the third pick in the second round of the 2016 rookie draft. After spending the 2025 season with NC Dinos following a trade, he became a free agent and was selected by KT. He signed a four-year contract worth up to 4.8 billion won, which drew some criticism as an overpay.

Choi Won-jun has proven that label wrong, turning the narrative into a success story of a "low-price buy" through his performance. In 45 games this season, he is batting .366 (67 hits in 183 at-bats) with one home run, 26 RBIs, 33 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. His on-base percentage stands at .447, slugging percentage at .464, and OPS (on-base plus slugging) at .911.

His batting average ranks second, closing in on Park Sung-han (SSG, .371). He is also leading or ranking near the top in overall batting metrics, including first place in total hits and third in on-base percentage (.447).

Especially encouraging is that his bat has heated up even more since May. Through the 11th game of the month, he has recorded hits in 11 consecutive games, posting a .456 batting average in May (31 hits in 68 at-bats) with 10 RBIs and 11 runs scored.

Notably, while shouldering the heavy responsibility of the leadoff spot, he is batting .364 (48 hits in 132 at-bats) as the leadoff hitter, consistently setting up the middle of the lineup.

After the game, Choi Won-jun said, "It seems like the ball found the right spots and luck was on my side, resulting in many hits. I prepared well during the off-season, and coaches Han Jun and Kang gave me positive feedback and advice to help me develop further. The data team also provided excellent feedback on practice and post-game performance, which has contributed to my good results. I am truly grateful."

He believes that his ability to deliver strong results despite the demanding leadoff role is due to the team’s full trust in him. He added, "The manager also kept me in the upper lineup spots last year despite my poor performance, which has given me more confidence to step onto the field. While the leadoff position is certainly challenging, I personally enjoy it, so I am truly satisfied."

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*This content was translated by AI.