'Special Rookie' Kim Min-jun Could Challenge for 10 Wins: "I Will Pitch Three More Times"... Could He Ignite the Rookie of the Year Race? [Incheon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

With seven wins in 14 games, he is on pace to reach 15 wins if he had played all 30 games of a full season. His only regret is starting the season late, but he now has an opportunity to challenge for 10 wins at the end of the season.

SSG Landers manager Lee Sung-yong (55) met with reporters ahead of the home game against Samsung Lions at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 24th in the Shinhan SOL KBO League, stating, "Kim Min-jun (20) plans to pitch three more times."

This includes two appearances, including today's game. If he secures three consecutive wins, he will achieve 10 wins in his debut season. Although he entered the Rookie of the Year race late, reaching 10 wins could serve as a key indicator of his potential at the end of the season.

During his time at Daegu High School, Kim displayed overwhelming performance based on his outstanding play, earning the Grand Prize at the 2025 Futures Star Awards organized and hosted by StarNews. The selection committee evaluated him as "a resource capable of stable pitching that can be utilized immediately in the first division," and he was selected fifth overall in the first round of this year's draft to wear the SSG uniform.

The only regret was injury. Although he was guaranteed a spot in the starting rotation from spring training, he had to take a break just before opening day due to an arm muscle strain. His rehabilitation period delayed his debut until June.

Afterward, he showed formidable momentum. Kim Min-jun earned his first win in his third appearance, displaying stable performance with bold pitching. In two games in September, he secured back-to-back wins, achieving his original target of seven wins.

Although a new goal of 10 wins has emerged, Manager Lee is 100% satisfied with the current situation. "I hope it concludes as it is now," he said. "If he can maintain this performance without injury, I believe that while Min-jun may have a desire to win, from the manager's perspective, if he gains so much through such performances, there is certainly confidence that he will be able to achieve more than 10 wins next year as long as he stays healthy. I think that might even serve as better motivation for the player."

SSG fielded a starting lineup today with Park Sung-han (shortstop), Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Guillermo Heredia (left fielder), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Go Myeong-jun (third baseman), Jeon Ui-san (first baseman), Ahn Sang-hyun (second baseman), Lee Ji-young (catcher), and Osu (right fielder).

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*This content was translated by AI.