'Hanwha's 10-Year Vision' — The Trial That Made Him Stronger: 'Batting Average 0.167 → First Career 4-Hit Game' — Oh Jae-won Has Grown Stronger

*This content was translated by AI.

Although he hit three hits in the opening game, it took another 50 games before that moment returned. It was a difficult period for rookie Oh Jae-won (19, Hanwha Eagles) to endure. However, he patiently waited for his time and ultimately once again showcased his potential to the world.

On the 7th, Oh Jae-won started as the leadoff center fielder in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League away game against the Lotte Giants at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium, going 4-for-6 with one strikeout and three runs scored, leading his team to an 8-7 extra-inning victory.

With his first career 4-hit game, his season batting average surged from 0.167 to 0.205 (78 at-bats, 16 hits).

A graduate of Yugo High School, Oh Jae-won was recognized for his outstanding talent after delivering an exceptional performance last year, winning the Baseball Star Award at the Futures Star Awards. Hanwha selected him with the third pick in the first round of the rookie draft, bypassing several promising pitchers. He was also awarded a signing bonus of 270 million won.

He was praised as an immediate contributor, possessing not only hitting ability but also a fast speed and stable defensive skills. In recent years, the team had swept up promising pitchers such as Moon Dong-ju, Kim Seo-hyun, Hwang Jun-seo, and Jung Woo-ju, achieving tangible results. Now, with Moon Hyun-bin, the focus has shifted to securing a resource who can lead the outfield for over a decade. Especially in a situation where Moon Hyun-bin and Yonatan Peraza, who have defensive weaknesses, must play corner outfield positions, Hanwha needed to strengthen its center field depth — a perfect fit for Oh Jae-won.

From spring training exhibition games through the preseason and the early part of the season, Oh Jae-won received numerous opportunities as the leadoff center fielder for Hanwha.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) unexpectedly returned Oh Jae-won to the leadoff center fielder role for the Lotte game on the 6th. Manager Kim stated, "There is no special reason. He has been hitting leadoff in the early part of the season and was benched, so he worked hard. I gave him a chance because of that. I hope he performs well today."

Although he went 0-for-2 in five plate appearances, he reached base twice via two walks, scored one run, and contributed to the team's victory.

He was given another opportunity that day and delivered his best performance. Starting as the leadoff hitter in the top of the first inning, Oh Jae-won reached base with an infield hit, using his speed. He crossed home plate when Yonatan Peraza hit a two-run home run.

In the second inning, he again started as the leadoff hitter and hit a line drive single to center field. In the fourth inning, Oh Jae-won, once again the leadoff hitter, hit Jeremy Bissell's slider and drove it to left field for a double. He scored when Peraza hit a single, rounding third base and crossing home plate.

Oh Jae-won, who had grounded out to the shortstop in the sixth inning and struck out looking in the eighth, hit a decisive hit in the top of the 10th extra inning. With two outs and a runner on first, he hit a line drive single to center field against Choi Jun-yong, completing his first career 4-hit game. Following Peraza's automatic intentional walk, the bases were loaded. When Moon Hyun-bin hit a ground ball, Lotte committed an error, allowing two runners to score and securing the victory.

Oh Jae-won made a strong impression by hitting three hits in the opening game but subsequently fell into a deep slump. Until the day of this game, his batting average was only 0.167.

However, with the firm trust of the manager, Oh Jae-won recorded a game with three or more hits for the first time in over 50 games and two months, delivering his first career 4-hit game and becoming the top contributor to the team's victory.

Oh Jae-won has not been removed from the first-division roster even once this season. While it is clear that Hanwha must nurture this promising player, there were differing opinions on whether it was appropriate for him to remain in the first division, as he is a player who is still struggling to adapt to the high barriers of professional baseball.

Nevertheless, Manager Kim Kyung-moon kept an eye on Oh Jae-won, observed his efforts, and gave him another chance. Oh Jae-won fully seized that opportunity. It was a moment he had eagerly awaited. After the game, Oh Jae-won said, "I was doing poorly recently, but I focused on being a pinch runner or pinch defender. I decided not to miss any chance when it came, and I waited. The manager gave me a great opportunity, and I was able to produce good results."

Although he is a rookie spending his debut season, the two-month period of starting as a regular and then dropping to a backup role was undoubtedly one of the most difficult times in his baseball career. Oh Jae-won shared, "Personally, I went through a tough time."

However, despite his young age, he patiently waited for his moment and shed sweat diligently for that opportunity. "I tried not to waste this time but to make use of it. I believed that if anyone works hard, opportunities will come, so I waited," said Oh Jae-won, adding, "I worked with the coaches on hitting aspects and tried to regain confidence quickly. I prepared well and waited, and when the opportunity came, I was able to seize it." He smiled with satisfaction.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.