'Batting average of 0.364 after call-up' — Hitting, running, and picking off... The signal for the 'GG second baseman's' revival: "If I play like this, I'll get more chances" — Coach Kim Kyung-moon smiles

*This content was translated by AI.

Seven seasons since his debut. He had one overwhelming performance and made it to the second baseman's Golden Glove. Since then, he wandered for a long time, but now he is determined not to miss this renewed opportunity. This is the story of reserve veteran Jung Eun-won (26, Hanwha Eagles).

On the 20th, Jung Eun-won started as the cleanup hitter and second baseman in a visiting game against LG Twins at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium, going 1-for-3 with one walk and one run scored.

Although his team lost 3-4, he succeeded in reaching base multiple times and was responsible for one of the three runs. It is also significant that he recorded hits in three consecutive games.

Jung Eun-won, who graduated from Incheon High School, joined Hanwha as the 24th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 draft and received many opportunities from his first year.

Starting from the following year, Jung Eun-won secured the starting second baseman position, making 2021 an unforgettable season. In 139 games, he recorded a batting average of 0.283 (495 at-bats, 140 hits), six home runs, 39 RBIs, 85 runs scored, 105 walks, and 19 stolen bases, with an on-base percentage of 0.407, slugging percentage of 0.384, and OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.791.

He confidently became the recipient of the second baseman's Golden Glove. By continuing the legacy of infielders' Golden Gloves, which had been broken since Jung Geun-woo in 2013 during his dark period, he brought considerable hope to Hanwha fans.

However, his performance declined afterward. He lost his position to younger players like Moon Hyun-bin and Hwang Young-mok, tried changing positions, but ultimately found no clear answer and had to join the Army Baseball Team (Sangmu).

Even in the Army team, he was not 100% satisfied. In 83 games in 2025, he managed a batting average of 0.267 (247 at-bats, 66 hits) and an OPS of 0.782, while his team watched on TV as they reached the Korean Series for the first time in 19 years to reclaim past glory.

He rejoined the team after being discharged this season but could not quickly regain his form. It seemed he would have to wait until next year.

However, the situation has changed since September. Jung Eun-won, who hit powerfully in six Futures League games with a batting average of 0.316 (19 at-bats, 6 hits), three home runs, nine RBIs, and five runs scored, was called up after two months on the 16th.

Since then, he has performed brilliantly in four games with a batting average of 0.364 (11 at-bats, 4 hits), two runs scored, one walk, and one stolen base. In the game against LG on the 19th, despite being held down by strong pitching from the opposing team, he managed only one run but recorded hits against Lim Chan-kyu and Go Woo-seok. In the sixth inning, he scored the day's only run, and in the eighth inning, after getting a hit, he successfully stole a base with an aggressive baserunning play.

Kim Kyung-moon smiled broadly. "He hasn't been able to play in games for a while, but he performed better than we expected when he came out, and his hitting was also good, which is great for the team," he said. "He will serve as an example for the players who have already played, and if this continues, he should be expected to play more in the remaining games. He will likely get more opportunities."

Jung Eun-won started in the game on the 20th as well, recording a hit and a walk for multiple base reaches. Although the sample size is still small, he is creating a positive momentum toward the end of the season.

Hanwha's second baseman position still lacks a definitive owner. In that sense, there is no way expectations for Jung Eun-won, who has tasted the high point of winning a Golden Glove, cannot remain high. And Jung Eun-won is gradually raising his potential toward the end of the season to recreate past glory.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.