'Minus 19 wins compared to last year': Hanwha's performance had a decisive impact on the first-half landscape [Kim In-sik's One Word]

*This content was translated by AI.

[2026 KBO League First-Half Review]

The 2026 KBO League first half concluded with Samsung Lions and LG Twins finishing in first and second place, respectively, without any wins or losses between them.

Samsung started the season with weak pitching but improved significantly after about a month. The starting rotation saw performances from Yang Chang-seop, while the bullpen benefited from strong outings by Kim Tae-hoon, Lee Jae-hee, and Bae Chan-seung, propelling the team upward.

LG swiftly replaced foreign pitcher Chirino with Rios and substituted injured closer Yoo Young-chan with Son Ju-young, fully capitalizing on the Asian quota rule.

While both teams performed well, I believe Hanwha Eagles had the most decisive impact on the first-half landscape this season.

Hanwha finished last year's first half in first place with 19 more wins than a .500 win-loss record, but this year they ended with a win-loss margin of zero. Although Ryu Hyun-jin (8 wins) and Wang Yencheng (7 wins) performed well in the starting rotation, their combined output pales in comparison to last year's duo of Ponce (17 wins) and Weiss (16 wins). This season, Hernandez (3 wins) and White (5 wins) showed a significant gap in performance. The lineup appeared flashy with Kang Baek-ho joining, but overall results fell short of expectations.

SSG Landers also saw a sharp decline from a +2 win-loss margin last year to -19 this year. While poor performances by foreign pitchers contributed, the most critical factor was the absence of Kim Kwang-hyun. With no pitcher capable of shifting momentum in crucial games, even the bench seemed powerless. This clearly revealed just how vital Kim Kwang-hyun's presence has been.

Compared to last year's first half, Samsung and LG each gained 20 and 10 wins, respectively, based on a .500 win-loss record. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Samsung and LG securing first and second place was largely due to the struggles of Hanwha, SSG, and NC Dinos (which lost three more wins compared to last year). Essentially, Samsung and LG absorbed the wins lost by those three teams. Samsung gained a total of 13 wins against Hanwha (+4), SSG (+3), and NC (+6), while LG dominated SSG with an 8-1 record.

KT Wiz maintained third place by effectively filling gaps caused by injuries to Ahn Hyun-min and Heo Kyung-min, thanks to strong contributions from Choi Won-jun and Kim Hyun-soo. KIA Tigers secured fourth place, higher than expected, with Oliver (9 wins) stepping into the ace role after Neil's departure (5 wins).

Additionally, Lotte Giants, whose pitching strengthened toward the end of the first half, and Doosan Bears, which maintained stability in both starting rotation and bullpen, are expected to engage in fierce competition for mid-table positions in the second half.

Kiwoom Heroes improved their game content compared to last year. Their mound has become stronger, and they compete fiercely in every match, but overall results have not changed significantly.

/Former Korea national baseball team manager Kim In-sik (currently a senior advisor to the KBO)

'[Kim In-sik's One Word] Outlook for the 2026 KBO League Second Half' continues.

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*This content was translated by AI.