'How long has it been?' Pitcher Triple Crown, domestic pitchers take all — 'Big Chance' arrives

*This content was translated by AI.

The KBO League awards 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). Generally, for pitchers, the three titles are wins, ERA, and strikeouts; for batters, they are batting average, home runs, and RBIs.

In the past decade or so, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the three pitcher Triple Crown titles have been the domain of foreign players. Since Yoon Seok-min (then 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 by domestic pitchers.

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

However, this year presents a significantly different picture. As foreign players have slowed down, domestic pitchers' performances stand out. There is now a possibility that wins, ERA, and strikeouts will all be shared among domestic pitchers. This is the 'Big Chance' arriving 15 years after Yoon Seok-min.

The leaders are Doosan Bears' native one-two punch, 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, Lim 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 monopoly on the Triple Crown title is Oller. He is in joint first place in wins and trails Choi Min-seok and Kwak Bin closely in ERA (2.36) and strikeouts (108), respectively, ranking second in both categories. If he continues his strong pitching, 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 traditionally held the advantage will be one of the exciting viewing points for the second half of the season.

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*This content was translated by AI.