Kim Seo-hyun·Jung Woo-ju: Continued trials, yet they are only 22 and 20 years old, respectively.

*This content was translated by AI.

The trials of Hanwha Eagles' promising pitchers Kim Seo-hyun (22) and Jung Woo-ju (20) continue.

Both took the mound in separate games against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 3rd. However, the results were disappointing.

Kim Seo-hyun entered in the bottom of the fifth inning with his team leading 7-6, allowing leadoff hitter Heo Kyung-min to reach base with a ground ball to left field. After striking out Oh Yun-seok and seeming to catch a breath, he gave up a three-run hit to left-center field by pinch-hitter Jang Jin-hyeok, surrendering the tying run before being pulled from the game. Jo Dong-wook then entered and allowed a sacrifice fly to center field by Choi Won-jun, enabling Jang Jin-hyeok to score from third base with the go-ahead run. Hanwha lost 11-13, making Kim Seo-hyun the losing pitcher (⅓ inning, two earned runs). This marked his second consecutive loss following the August 30 game against NC Dinos.

Jung Woo-ju took the mound in the bottom of the eighth inning with his team trailing 8-10. He walked leadoff hitter Kim Sang-su, then committed a throwing error to first base on a bunt by pinch-hitter Yoo Jun-gyu, putting runners at first and second with no outs. Oh Yun-seok followed with an infield hit to third base, scoring one run. With one out and runners at second and third, Jung also committed a balk, allowing additional runs. He then allowed a sacrifice fly to center field by Kwon Dong-jin, finishing the game with three earned runs in 1⅔ innings (one unearned).

Both pitchers were selected in the first round of the rookie draft and share the common trait of possessing fastballs reaching the high 150 km/h range. Kim Seo-hyun was chosen as the overall first pick in 2023, while Jung Woo-ju was selected as the overall second pick in 2025, both donning Hanwha uniforms. Last year, Kim Seo-hyun recorded 33 saves, and Jung Woo-ju posted a 3-0 record with three holds and an ERA of 2.85 across 51 games in his rookie season, appearing to meet expectations.

However, this season has seen continued struggles. After adjusting in the Futures League, both were called up to the first division again on August 18. While their fastball velocity has decreased compared to before, they are now evaluated as having improved control. Nevertheless, they still display immaturity in game management, and misfortunes have compounded due to defensive errors by their teammates.

Since their return, Kim Seo-hyun's record stands at 2 losses in 7 games over 6⅔ innings with six walks and an ERA of 5.40, while Jung Woo-ju has one loss in eight games over 6⅔ innings with seven walks and an ERA of 18.90.

However, both are still only 22 and 20 years old—unfinished prospects full of promise. A baseball official stated, "They are still young pitchers. Excessive expectations and attention from those around them may become burdensome." He added, "It has not been long since they graduated high school; how many players have truly demonstrated top-tier professional skills so soon? There is no need to rush; we should continue watching them closely."

Poet Do Jong-hwan wrote in his poem "Flowers That Bloom While Shaking," "Where can you find a flower that blooms without shaking?" What those observing Kim Seo-hyun and Jung Woo-ju—officials and fans alike—need now is the patience to wait for tomorrow.

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*This content was translated by AI.