'If it weren't for Wang Yencheng...' The $140 million ace, Hanwha is more grateful for '6th in innings' than '1st in wins'

*This content was translated by AI.

After losing the foreign duo that led Hanwha Eagles to the Korean Series for the first time in 19 years and strengthening its lineup, the team has endured a difficult season. That is why one pitcher stands out: Wang Yencheng (25), signed under the Asian quota for just $100,000 (142 million won).

Wang Yencheng has pitched 110⅓ innings in 21 games this season, recording 10 wins and 4 losses with an ERA of 3.34.

During the the 4th game against the Samsung Lions, he delivered a scoreless six-inning performance to reach 10 wins, becoming the first player under the Asian quota to achieve double-digit victories and etching his name in history.

Additionally, Wang Yencheng shares the league lead in wins with LG's Im Chan-kyu. His ERA ranks 5th, his winning percentage (0.714) is tied for 4th, and he ranks 6th in innings pitched, placing him among the top pitchers across key metrics.

Last year, Hanwha advanced to the Korean Series with a powerful starting rotation led by foreign duo Cody Ponce (Toronto Blue Jays) and Ryan Weiss (Houston Astros), who combined for 33 wins, followed by Ryu Hyun-jin and Moon Dong-ju.

However, this season both pitchers moved to Major League Baseball, drastically changing the situation. While Ryu Hyun-jin remains healthy, Owen White joined the rotation only in mid-May after an early-season injury, and Will Hernandez finished with a 3-6 record before being replaced. Moon Dong-ju underwent surgery for a shoulder labrum tear.

That is why Hanwha feels even more grateful for Wang Yencheng, who was signed for just $100,000. This season, he has made the most starts among all 10 teams' starting pitchers, tying with James Nail (KIA) at 21 appearances. Although his quality starts (six innings or more with three earned runs or fewer) totaled only seven — not particularly high — he never missed a rotation spot and allowed no early exits before the fifth inning except on three occasions, showing remarkable consistency in holding down the mound.

Hanwha's team ERA sits at 4.74, ranking 6th overall. While their starting pitchers — led by Wang Yencheng, Ryu Hyun-jin, and White — have posted a 4.26 ERA and rank 3rd, their bullpen ERA of 5.29 places them 8th.

The frequent changes in the starting rotation due to underperformance and injuries among foreign players mid-season inevitably placed additional burden on relief pitchers, which cannot be overlooked as a contributing factor.

Moreover, with the starting rotation struggling together in the second half and the team's record slipping to 7-9-1, Hanwha feels Wang Yencheng's value even more acutely as he stepped into the ace role, earning three wins in four appearances.

Wang Yencheng also expressed satisfaction. Through Hanwha's YouTube channel "Eagles TV," he said, "Before coming to Korea, I never imagined such records. My only thought was to get on the mound and throw my pitches. I'm grateful for the results."

Regarding personal accolades, he stated, "Winning isn't just about me pitching well. It requires help from fielders, so I don't focus much on individual titles. Instead, I aim to give my best every game alongside my teammates and secure team victories."

Having etched his name in Hanwha's history, Wang Yencheng added, "I hope to be remembered as a player who could always be relied upon — someone people can say, 'Wang Yencheng was always trustworthy.'"

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*This content was translated by AI.