'Unprecedented' reason for the upward offer! 'Professor Seo's' baserunning clinic that rattled LG, aiming for a GG in 10 years

*This content was translated by AI.

Something happens whenever Seo Geon-chang (37, Kiwoom Heroes) steps up. The 'commander' of the Heroes, who returned after five years, has now brought down the busy LG Twins.

Seo Geon-chang started as the designated hitter in the visiting game against LG at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 8th in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League, recording two hits, one RBI, and one run in five at-bats to lead Kiwoom Heroes to an 8-3 victory. The last-place Kiwoom extended their winning streak to two games, while LG, urgently needing to secure third place, fell into a three-game losing streak.

Seo Geon-chang's baserunning completely shifted the momentum in Kiwoom's favor. With Kiwoom leading 1-0, Seo, batting leadoff in the bottom of the 5th, hit a massive triple down the left-center field gap. He reached third base with no outs immediately. Following a hit-by-pitch to Choi Jae-hyun, Matt Davidson and Keston Hiura followed with consecutive sacrifice flies, and LG's bullpen then surrendered three consecutive bases-loaded walks, allowing Kiwoom to score six runs in the 5th inning alone.

An attack that began with a single baserunner expanded into a big inning. Seo Geon-chang capped it off. In the bottom of the 7th with two outs and runners on first and second, he hit a sacrifice fly to center field, extending the lead to 8-0. On this day, all starting batters except Park Ju-hong recorded hits, but at both the beginning and end of the offense stood leadoff Seo Geon-chang.

Seo Geon-chang also said after the game, "Today (Ha) Young-min pitched really well. So it was crucial to get on base as the leadoff hitter, and I'm glad we created a scoring opportunity with a hit in the 5th." He added, "This victory is even more meaningful because the players united their strength together."

Being able to focus solely on his at-bats also helped. Seo Geon-chang explained, "It's a time when we can get tired as the season nears its end. Playing as a designated hitter allows for physical management, but it also increases responsibility in the batter's box, so I become more focused."

Seo Geon-chang's performance this season is far from simple 'veteran fighting spirit.' Statistically, he is competing with top-tier second basemen in the league. In 92 games this year, Seo has recorded a .313 batting average (358 at-bats, 112 hits), three home runs, 32 RBIs, and 60 runs scored, with an on-base percentage of .403, slugging percentage of .402, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .805.

Since the team remains in last place, his cumulative records are at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, among second basemen who have completed the required plate appearances, he ranks fourth in hits and runs scored, and seventh in RBIs. Meanwhile, his batting average and on-base percentage both rank second in the league.

He has also increased his defensive burden again. For the first time since 2021, his innings at second base have exceeded 600, currently reaching 621. If he fills the Golden Glove candidate defensive inning threshold in the remaining games, it won't be an empty claim to aim for a golden glove for the first time in 10 years since 2016.

This is why Kiwoom's radical decision last month is drawing fresh attention. Kiwoom signed Seo Geon-chang to a multi-year non-FA contract worth up to 600 million won over two years (2027–2028) last May. However, on August 31, midway through the season, the club unilaterally added an option clause, doubling the maximum payout amount to 1.2 billion won. This was an unprecedented decision that effectively raised the guaranteed amount through an achievable option.

The reason was simple: he has been performing far better than expected. Seo Geon-chang began his professional career as an LG development player in 2008, and during his time with Nexen Heroes (now Kiwoom), he recorded 201 hits in the 2014 season, surpassing the KBO's single-season record of 200 hits to earn MVP honors. He later played for LG and KIA, but last year, after batting just .136 in only 10 games with KIA, he was released.

Returning to his original team after five years, he has become 'Professor Seo' once again. The club explained that by raising the contract terms, they reevaluated not only his performance but also his leadership and contribution to the team. Seo Geon-chang also stated, "Since I know well what role the club expects of me, I feel an even greater responsibility. Rather than focusing solely on personal statistics, I will strive to be a player who leads younger teammates well and has a positive impact on the team."

He doesn't just teach with words. At 37, he still runs hard, reaches third base, gets on base first, and frequently gives special lectures to young prospects. The promising players who have attended his lectures are visibly growing day by day. This is why opposing teams find Kiwoom difficult despite their last-place standing.

There was a reason Kiwoom raised the contract amount first. And 'Professor Seo's' lecture, which also aims for a golden glove in 10 years, has not yet ended.

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*This content was translated by AI.