[Min-seok Choi HOT Interview ①] This is KBO's top pitcher; reveals the secret: "Even less movement than last year..."

*This content was translated by AI.

For the 2026 KBO League season, Doosan Bears pitcher Min-seok Choi (20) is undoubtedly the league's biggest hit product.

In his second professional year, he made 16 starts this season, finishing the first half with a 9-2 record and a 2.33 ERA. He tied for first place in wins with KIA Tigers' Oller (9-5), and moved into sole possession of first place in ERA, surpassing Oller's 2.36.

We met Min-seok Choi on the 2nd at Seoul Jamsil Stadium during his hottest season yet. Coincidentally, it was also his 20th birthday. "I have to head to Gocheok (a three-game series from the 3rd to the 5th) after today's game, so I had dinner with my family yesterday (the 1st)," he said with a smile.

- What do you think is the secret behind your best performance this season?

▶ I've been paying more attention to my pitch repertoire, ball mixing, and opponent analysis compared to last year. On days when my pitching isn't going well, I try to pick up hints from those experiences... I think that's made a big difference.

- Your two-seam fastball is considered the league's best pitch among your repertoire. You've thrown it before; what has changed?

▶ Last year, when throwing my two-seamer, I targeted the low outside corner against left-handed batters. This year, I'm using it more inside and also throwing high balls. Tracking data shows last year's pitches had more movement, but this year my location has improved. Also, adding a cutter has created synergy. (According to KBO data, Min-seok Choi's pitch mix this season is 47.2% two-seamers and 27.0% cutters, both ranking first in the league for pitch value.)

- When and from whom did you learn the cutter?

▶ During last year's closing camp, I was considering adding a new pitch and found the cutter easier to pick up, so I kept practicing it. I developed it through discussions with the team's performance analysis staff and coaches. Since I often throw pitches I don't normally use during catch sessions, I think that helped me learn it quickly.

- Now that you've grown into an ace for Doosan and the league, do you ever feel pressure or a change in status?

▶ Rather than feeling pressure, I often think about how to maintain my good form. On my days off, when fans recognize me and players from other teams say things like "Nice pitch" or "Your stuff is really good," it's encouraging.

- Despite being in your second professional year and only 20 years old, you're praised for having composure on the mound and strong mental fortitude.

▶ I'm not sure about being "strong," but I think it's because I don't overthink things.

- Is your daily life like that too? Your face even looks like it has a permanent smile.

▶ No, actually I think a lot when I'm not playing. Just small things like what to eat... My expression naturally tends to smile when I see people's faces or cameras.

- Do you have any special superstitions or routines?

▶ I don't really have superstitions, but on days I'm scheduled to start, I always grab a cup of coffee around lunchtime and go to the Han River. I listen to music, take a walk, sit for a while, then go home, shower, watch some MLB videos, and head to the ballpark. I try not to believe in or create superstitions as much as possible. (A Doosan staff member sitting nearby noted, "Most starting pitchers are usually more sensitive on their start day, but Min-seok Choi talks a lot with staff and teammates and seems unpressured." To this, Min-seok replied, "When people around me try too hard to be careful, it actually feels more uncomfortable.")

- Your jersey number is 68.

▶ I just received it when I joined the team, but I liked the number so I've kept using it. It looks nice in photos and videos.

- This is your second professional season; how do you manage your physical condition?

▶ Sleep is extremely important to me. After night games, I try to be asleep by 2 a.m. at the latest and always aim for at least nine hours of sleep. I tend to lose weight easily, so I don't restrict my diet much and try to eat as well as possible. I don't smoke and only drink alcohol during the off-season.

- On days when your performance isn't good, how do you relieve stress?

▶ I try to leave baseball-related matters at the ballpark as much as possible, but sometimes I still feel down. In those cases, eating something delicious and meeting with friends helps me gradually forget about it.

- This continues in [Min-seok Choi HOT Interview ②].

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*This content was translated by AI.