*This content was translated by AI.
The core bullpen duo that led the Hanwha Eagles to the Korean Series for the first time in 19 years last year, Kim Seo-hyun (22) and Jung Woo-ju (20), are expected to join the first division team as early as next week.
Kim Kyung-moon (68), manager of the Hanwha Eagles, stated on the 14th ahead of the away game against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park for the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League: "(We) watched their games. Their current performance is good. Rain is forecast nationwide on the 16th, so after throwing one more time tomorrow and confirming there are no physical issues, they will likely join next week."
Kim Seo-hyun and Jung Woo-ju, who have been staying in the Futures League (second division), appeared consecutively in the away game against the Ulsan Whales at Ulsan Munsu Stadium on this day for the 2026 Medihill KBO Futures League.
Kim Seo-hyun held the line in just six pitches over one inning. Taking the mound in the sixth inning with his team leading 2-0, Kim Seo-hyun recorded a three-pitch strikeout against Kim Sang-min. He then retired Lee Chang-yong and Ham Su-ho consecutively on third baseman grounders to finish the inning.
Jung Woo-ju appeared in the eighth inning. Still leading by two runs when he entered, Jung Woo-ju allowed a center field hit to Yang Woo-hyun and a left field hit to Lee Seo-jun, leaving him with no outs and runners on first and second base.
However, Jung Woo-ju retired Kim Sang-min on a third baseman sacrifice fly and then struck out Lee Chang-yong and Ham Su-ho consecutively on swinging strikeouts, closing out his pitching performance for the day.
Kim Seo-hyun threw a scoreless outing without issuing any walks in four games, while Jung Woo-ju allowed only two hits but no walks or hit-by-pitches, striking out two batters and demonstrating dominance over hitters.
Kim Seo-hyun and Jung Woo-ju were drafted as top prospects with the first and second overall picks in the 2023 and 2025 Rookie Drafts, respectively, receiving a signing bonus of 500 million won. Both shone last year. Kim Seo-hyun recorded 33 saves, while Jung Woo-ju delivered invaluable performances out of the bullpen, growing into a key resource not only for Hanwha but also for the national team.
However, Kim Seo-hyun has been stuck in the second division due to severe control issues this season, while Jung Woo-ju has remained there amid shoulder pain and poor form. To overcome his control problems, Kim Seo-hyun even studied in Japan last year. Although his fastball reached a maximum speed of only 148 km/h on this day as well, the fact that he issued no walks was significant.
Jung Woo-ju, who had focused solely on recovery after being removed from the first division roster on the 8th due to shoulder pain, made his second appearance of the season in the Futures League today. Of the 19th pitches thrown, 10 were fastballs, with a maximum speed of 152 km/h and an average speed of 148 km/h. He worked on his forkball, slider, and curve to check his pitching. Jung Woo-ju also did not issue any walks or hit batters today.
Although he watched their pitching on the 12th as well, Kim said, "(Jung) Woo-ju and (Kim) Seo-hyun looked fine when they pitched, but we need to see them throw a bit more." He added, "After throwing one or two more times and confirming there are no physical issues, I plan to discuss with the pitching coach whether to call them up again."
While Hanwha needs to tighten its belt for autumn baseball, the weakness of its bullpen remains a concern. Manager Kim has unusually pointed out bullpen problems since the second half, indicating an unstable back door. With no clear solution in sight, there is nothing more welcome than the rebound of last year's winning duo.
It has been decided that they can be called up to the first division team. Manager Kim expressed his expectations, saying, "When these two players join, they will have experience from throwing last year and I think they will gain a bit more strength."
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*This content was translated by AI.
