"From the start of baseball, the goal has been MLB, and it remains unchanged today." A bold challenge from a 20-year-old league ace [Choi Min-seok HOT Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

Doosan Bears pitcher Choi Min-seok (20) has his eyes set on a larger and wider horizon.

With nine wins (tied for second place) and two losses this season, along with an ERA of 2.33 (first in the league), he has emerged as the ace of the league. In an interview with StarNews, he boldly declared, "My goal since I started playing baseball has always been to reach Major League Baseball (MLB). To achieve that, I have focused my training on improving my physical condition and increasing my pitching velocity."

[Min-seok Choi HOT Interview]

1. This is the KBO's top pitcher's mound specialist; reveals his secret: "Even though I'm not spinning as much as last year..."

② "Started in the minor league, I resolved to do better than my fellow rookies Hyun-woo and Woo-joo."

3. "From the start of baseball, the goal has been MLB, and it remains unchanged today." A bold challenge from a 20-year-old league ace.

This continues from 1·2.

- Now, let's talk about the future. First, what is your goal for this season? Please provide specific figures.

▲ Originally, my goal was 10 wins with the required innings. I still aim for 10 wins, but if I push myself a bit more, I would like to try reaching around 15 wins. However, I think having many quality starts is more important than just winning. If we assume a season of 30 games pitched, I want to achieve at least 15 quality starts. (Currently, Choi Min-seok has made 16 appearances with 11 quality starts, placing him tied for second in the league, following Samsung Lions' Haruto's 12th appearance.)

How about ERA?

▲ Last year, it was 4.40, so this year my goal is simply to finish below 3.99.

- You are currently competing for the top spot in wins, ERA, and winning percentage. Is there any particular title you are especially aiming for?

▲ Winning is partly a matter of luck, but ERA seems to reflect one's ability more, so if possible, I have even greater ambition for the ERA.

- Among domestic pitchers, Ryu Hyun-jin (39·Hanwha) and Choi Min-seok are competing for first and second place in each category. It is also interesting that player Ryu Hyun-jin joined the pros in 2006, while player Choi Min-seok was born in 2006.

"I've watched him so much since his days with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and I am truly happy and blessed to be competing against such a person."

- Do you tend to be conscious of the records?

▲ Last year, I noticed that my concentration would waver whenever I looked at the scoreboard, so during games I tried my best not to focus on the count. This year, however, I’ve come to realize that if I just pitch inning by inning, I can easily reach six innings.

He was selected for the baseball national team for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya this September.

▲ I was truly delighted to be selected for the national team for the first time, and my only thought is that I must deliver good results there. Since many people will be watching, as they do during the World Cup, I hope showing them a strong performance will provide an opportunity to make my name more widely known, which gives me great anticipation.

- What is your goal as a professional player?

▲ From the moment I started playing baseball, my goal has always been to reach the Major Leagues. That hasn't changed even now. Before that, however, I want to become the best pitcher in Korea first.

Under the current KBO regulations, a player must complete seven seasons to qualify for posting; is there anything you are focusing on preparing for until then?

▲ Yes, there is. I feel that my physical condition and velocity are still somewhat lacking. I believe that if my physique improves further and my pitching mechanism keeps up well, my velocity will naturally increase as well, so I am focusing my training on 'how to build a stronger body.' I think it's more important to eat consistently rather than just eating a lot. There are also ways to gain weight through muscle training. (Choi Min-seok, who stands 188 cm tall, has reportedly increased his weight from 85-86 kg at the time of joining the team last year to 89-90 kg currently.)

It may be far in the future, but how would you like to be remembered by fans?

As I mentioned during the rookie draft as well, I hope to be recognized not just for a single moment of brilliance, but as a player who has consistently shone over time — always performing at a high level.

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*This content was translated by AI.