'How long has it been?' Pitcher Triple Crown, domestic players sweep: 'Big chance' arrives

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The KBO League offers 14 individual titles in total: six for pitchers and eight for batters. Among these, the three major titles in each category are called the 'Triple Crown' (winning three crowns). Typically, for pitchers, the three titles are wins, ERA, and strikeouts; for batters, they are batting average, home runs, and RBIs.

Over the past decade or so, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the three pitcher Triple Crown titles have been dominated by foreign players. Since Yoon Seok-min (then with KIA Tigers) won the pitcher Triple Crown in 2011, there has not been a single season in the following 14 years where all three major categories were claimed exclusively by domestic pitchers.

In contrast, foreign pitchers have monopolized all three titles for half of that period—seven seasons. In 2023, Paddy (then with NC Dinos) and in 2025, Ponce (then with Hanwha Eagles), each achieved the Triple Crown on their own.

However, this year presents a significantly different picture. While foreign players have slowed down, domestic pitchers are showing remarkable performance. There is now a possibility that wins, ERA, and strikeouts will all be shared among domestic pitchers. This marks the first 'big chance' since Yoon Seok-min, 15 years later.

The leaders in this race are Doosan Bears' native duo, Choi Min-seok (20) and Kwak Bin (27).

As of the 15th, Choi Min-seok leads in ERA with 2.33. In strikeouts, Kwak Bin is alone at the top with 112. In wins, Choi Min-seok, Im Chan-gyu (34·LG Twins), and Oller (32·KIA) are tied for first place with nine wins each.

The biggest competitor to a domestic pitcher sweep of the Triple Crown titles is Oller. He is currently tied for first in wins and ranks second in both ERA (2.36) and strikeouts (108), closely trailing Choi Min-seok and Kwak Bin respectively. If he continues his strong performance, there is also a possibility that he could claim the pitcher Triple Crown on his own.

Watching whether domestic pitchers can successfully counterattack in individual title competitions, where foreign pitchers have long held dominance, is one of the intriguing viewing points for the second half of the season.

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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original