Desperate KIA and Hanwha, why the decisive 'July trade' for the second consecutive year? Will it bear fruit this year?

*This content was translated by AI.

KIA Tigers and Hanwha Eagles made a decision just eight days before the season trade deadline (July 31). The two clubs announced on the 23rd that they would execute a player swap: pitcher Lee Hyung-beom (32, KIA→Hanwha) and infielder Ha Ju-seok (32, Hanwha→KIA).

Last year, KIA and Hanwha also executed a late-July trade, though not an exact player exchange.

On July 28, 2025, KIA sent Hong Jong-pyo, Choi Won-jun, and Lee Woo-seong to NC Dinos in exchange for Han Jae-seung, Kim Si-hoon, and Jung Hyun-chang in a major 3-for-3 trade. At the time, KIA stated, "Through this trade, we secured immediate bullpen assets (Han Jae-seung and Kim Si-hoon) as right-handed relievers and future infield resources (Jung Hyun-chang)."

Hanwha also acquired Son A-seop from NC on the deadline day of July 31, surrendering a third-round pick in the 2026 rookie draft and 300 million won in cash. The transfer of the all-time hit leader in KBO history surprised the baseball world. Hanwha's club stated at the time, "We strengthened our position depth by acquiring a veteran player with excellent batting skills and extensive game experience." NC selected pitcher Choi Yo-han (19) using the third-round pick.

However, performance after the trade was far from satisfactory. KIA's Han Jae-seung recorded 1 win, 1 hold, and 1 save in 18 games with an ERA of 10.57, while Kim Si-hoon managed 1 win in 9 games with an ERA of 7.45. Jung Hyun-chang appeared in 12 games but posted only a .385 batting average (5 hits in 13 at-bats).

Son A-seop also recorded a .265 batting average (35 hits in 132 at-bats), 1 home run, and 17 RBIs in 35 games with Hanwha but was judged to have fallen short of his reputation. Ultimately, Hanwha sent Son A-seop to Doosan in April this year along with pitcher Lee Gyo-hoon (25) and 150 million won in cash.

Nevertheless, KIA and Hanwha executed a 'July trade' for the second consecutive year because their team situations are equally desperate.

KIA faced a significant hole in its infield defense following shortstop Park Chan-ho (31, Doosan Bears) signing as a free agent. Regarding this trade, KIA stated, "Ha Ju-seok is a versatile resource capable of playing multiple positions including second base and shortstop. With his rich first-division experience, we expect him to bolster our team strength, which led us to pursue this trade."

Hanwha currently shares the league lead with NC for most blown saves (16) this season. Their bullpen ERA stands at 5.11, ranking seventh among ten clubs. Hanwha President Son Hyuk explained the background of the trade: "Lee Hyung-beom is a veteran pitcher with closing experience. We expect his addition to strengthen our bullpen."

Currently in fourth place, KIA trails fifth-place Doosan Bears by one game and sixth-place Hanwha by 4.5 games. Last year's runner-up Hanwha finds itself in an urgent situation to secure a top-five finish more than any other team.

It remains to be seen whether the decisions made by KIA and Hanwha will bear fruit this year.

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*This content was translated by AI.