From "No Expectations for Hitting" to "Development Player" to "Regular Player" in One Year: A Sharp Turnaround with the Team's Best Batting Average in the Second Half [On-Site Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

"You don't have to hit well. Just focus on defense."

Kwon Hyuk-bin (21), a second-year shortstop for the Kiwoom Heroes, heard such words from his team's coaching staff and senior players until recently. His first-half performance was 0.168 batting average in 55 games (22 hits in 131 at-bats). While intended to ease the young player's burden, it did sting his pride a bit.

That same Kwon Hyuk-bin has now achieved a remarkable turnaround as Kiwoom's hottest hitter. In the second half, he recorded a 0.354 batting average in 16 games (17 hits in 48 at-bats), with four doubles and seven RBIs. During this period, his batting average ranked first on the team and tenth overall in the league.

Speaking to reporters on the 5th at Busan Sajik Stadium, where a Lotte Giants game was canceled due to extreme heat, Kwon Hyuk-bin explained the secret behind his recent surge: "The coaches and seniors told me not to expect much from my hitting as a way to comfort me. While I appreciated their kindness, it did hurt my pride a bit. I thought, 'I can hit well,' so I prepared with even more determination."

Seol Jong-jin (53), Kiwoom's Director of Development, said: "I positively told Kwon Hyuk-bin that it's okay if he doesn't hit well, as long as he performs excellently in defense. It's better than getting RBIs." He added, "The player has a strong desire to hit comfortably and get on base, which is leading to good results."

After graduating from Daegu High School, Kwon Hyuk-bin was selected by Kiwoom in the seventh round (61st overall) of the 2025 Rookie Draft with a signing bonus of 50 million won. He played only 22 games in his first season last year, batting 0.100 (2 hits in 20 at-bats). Ahead of this season, he faced the pain of being converted to a development player. However, through sheer determination, he was re-registered as a regular player on May 1 and has since appeared in 71 of the team's 76 games, establishing himself as the starting shortstop. His season stats stand at a 0.218 batting average (39 hits in 179 at-bats), with 18 runs scored and 16 RBIs.

Kwon Hyuk-bin said, "My goal this year was simply to perform well, even if it meant staying in the minor league. I never expected to receive such opportunities. I feel grateful for playing every day and am gaining a lot of experience." He added, "Now that I have more confidence at the plate and have become more aggressive, it seems to be paying off with good results."

He has not forgotten the importance of defense. Kwon Hyuk-bin stated firmly, "I must make no mistakes in defense. Honestly, if I can't defend well, I don't see any reason for me to play in games."

Regarding his offense, he said, "Right now, I lack extra-base hits (only seven doubles) and my on-base percentage is low at 0.266. After this season ends, I plan to focus immediately on weight training to build strength and develop the ability to hit for power."

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*This content was translated by AI.