*This content was translated by AI.
At the time of the trade, he was not among the central names. However, two years later, Jeon Min-jae (27) has become one of the most secure players in Lotte Giants' infield.
Jeon Min-jae graduated from Cheonan Namsan Elementary, Cheonan North Middle School, and Daejeon High School before joining Doosan Bears as a second-round pick in the fourth round of the 2018 KBO Rookie Draft. He appeared on the first division stage in his professional debut year but spent six seasons thereafter playing only 77 games with 77 plate appearances, enduring a long period as a backup.
In 2024, he played 100 games with 276 plate appearances, seemingly expanding his opportunities, but faced another major change after the season. He joined Lotte through a 2-for-3 trade involving himself and draft-mate Jeong Cheol-won (27), along with Kim Min-seok (22) and Choi Woo-in (24, both from Doosan), in exchange for Chu Jae-hyun (27, Kiwoom Heroes).
He was not considered the central figure of that trade at the time. However, Lotte had been searching for a reliable starting shortstop for over three years since Shin Bon-gi's departure, making him a card worth exploring.
And Jeon Min-jae did not miss his chance. After suffering a headshot injury in May last year, his batting pace declined, and he finished the season with a .255 average in 61 games during the second half. This year, however, playing full time without injury, he is demonstrating what kind of player he truly is.
As of the conclusion of the game on the 13th, Jeon Min-jae has appeared in 120 games, recording a .279 batting average (402 at-bats, 112 hits), 8 home runs, 58 RBIs, 43 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases, with an on-base percentage of .326 and a slugging percentage of .391. He has achieved career highs in most categories, including games played and plate appearances.
Most importantly, unlike last year, his pace did not significantly collapse even in the second half of the season. Meeting StarNews ahead of the match against Suwon KT Wiz on the 13th, Jeon Min-jae said, "Last year I was physically exhausted and often felt drained, and this year it was just as tough." He added with a smile, "But I changed one thing in my thinking. Realizing that not only am I struggling, but my teammates and opposing players are all in the same difficult situation helped me overcome each moment."
He has also gained confidence in his defense. Jeon Min-jae has played 962 innings at shortstop this season, ranking fourth among league shortstops for most innings. "Since early in the season, I've been making good defensive plays consistently, which built my confidence," he said. "That allowed me to play more boldly."
His immediate goal now is 1,000 innings. Jeon Min-jae stated, "With only a few games left this season, I really want to reach 1,000 innings. It's not just a record of playing a full season well; it also signifies that I've managed my body without major injuries, so I'm aiming for 1,000 innings."
The desperate mindset he held before this season has translated into results on the field. Jeon Min-jae emphasized, "I felt many times that if I played like last year, I might not have a spot anymore. But since opportunities come to those who take them first, I resolved never to give my chance to anyone else."
Kim Tae-hyung (59), Lotte's manager who has watched Jeon Min-jae since his Doosan days, acknowledged his growth. Manager Kim said, "He is doing well. He needs to keep showing that." He added, "Unlike last year, he had no major injuries this season. He prepared well for the season and continues to play without significant injuries."
Perceptions about the trade have completely changed. At the time, he was a relatively overlooked card, but among Lotte fans now, Jeon Min-jae is being evaluated as "the result of a successful trade." In response, Jeon Min-jae smiled and said, "I am grateful and honored just to hear such words."
However, he does not consider himself a fully established starter yet. Although he surpassed triple-digit hits for the first time this season and is approaching 1,000 innings at shortstop, Jeon Min-jae's standard is much higher. "I think I can only be considered a starter after playing full time for another three years," he said. "It takes about three years of consistent play to prove one's ability. I still need to work harder."
This season, Lotte finished with 53 wins, 2 draws, and 69 losses, placing ninth in the league and effectively missing out on the postseason. However, Jeon Min-jae's growth in securing the shortstop position throughout the long season is undoubtedly a harvest for the 2026 season.
Jeon Min-jae's focus has shifted from his personal career highs to the team's future. He said firmly, "First, I need to do well, and my teammates must all pull together. I believe our players are good compared to any of the 10th teams in the league. I am confident that we will become a truly strong team within a few years."
Jeon Min-jae's goal is no longer just to be a player who shines for one season, but to remain as Lotte's shortstop for a long time. He stated confidently, "I think players who consistently record triple-digit hits will be remembered as good players. Going forward, I will continue to perform well at Lotte so that the story 'it was truly a great trade' keeps coming up in the future."
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*This content was translated by AI.
