'Kim Ji-chan AG call-up → Replacement No. 1': Park Seung-kyu says, "There is no such thing as a natural starter; the player in the best condition should play"

*This content was translated by AI.

After hitting his first career double-digit home runs since making his professional debut in the 2016 season and leading his team to victory, outfielder Park Seung-kyu (26) remained completely calm. Instead of getting excited, he displayed a more mature and composed attitude than anyone else in the face of fierce competition for outfield spots within the team, demonstrating his "team first" spirit.

On the 8th, Park started as the second hitter and right fielder in the home game against KIA Tigers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. He hit a crucial two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, playing a decisive role in securing a 6-4 victory for his team. This was an emotional moment as he reached the milestone of 10 home runs in a single season for the first time since joining the professional league in 2019.

However, after the game, Park's main focus when meeting with on-site reporters was not personal achievements but "the team's outfield competition." The Samsung outfield is currently nearly saturated. Led by star hitter Koo Ja-wook, veteran outfielders Choi Hyung-woo and Kim Heon-gon, along with Kim Ji-chan, Kim Sung-yoon, Kim Hyun-jun, Kim Tae-hoon, and Lee Jin-yong, there are nearly double-digit outfield resources packed into the first-team roster as of the 8th game. With many players possessing clear weapons in offense, defense, and base running, it is evaluated that even with good intuition, guaranteeing daily starts is difficult in such an environment.

As a player, one would naturally expect a strong desire for playing opportunities, but Park's mindset was different. Regarding the criticism that outfield spots are tight, he said, "I just do my best in the position I am given," and added, "When I get a chance, I will do my best, and when other seniors get a chance, I know how hard they have trained, so we truly support each other sincerely."

The reporters' interest naturally turned to the upcoming Asian Games (AG), as starting center fielder Kim Ji-chan will be called up to the national team after his game on the 13th. With a spot opening up for about two weeks, Park Seung-kyu, who has already proven his hot hitting with 10 home runs this season, is considered the most likely first-choice replacement.

However, when asked by reporters whether he would get more starting opportunities during the Asian Games period, Park firmly drew a line. He stated, "Even if (Kim) Ji-chan goes to the Asian Games, I do not think I will naturally play in matches," and emphasized, "Our team has so many good players. I believe it is best for the team that the player maintaining the best condition plays. Just because a spot opens up does not mean things will change; I will prepare exactly as usual."

Despite the saturated outfield situation, Park Seung-kyu holds onto "healthy friendly competition" and "one-team spirit" rather than timing or impatience. His "team first" philosophy that "the team wins when the player in the best condition plays, regardless of who takes the field," proves Samsung's internal strength even more powerfully than his personal record of 10 home runs in his debut season.

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*This content was translated by AI.