Will the "900-million-won arm" Jang Jae-young succeed in his transition to a position player? Sangmu manager confirms: "Once we fixed the mechanics, he improved. He will do well."

*This content was translated by AI.

Sangmu manager Park Chi-wang (57) expressed strong confidence in the success of Jang Jae-young's (24) transition to a position player, as the outfielder for Na Seon (SVP) Phoenix is a former top prospect known for his "900-million-won arm."

Manager Park met with reporters before the game against the Ulsan Whales at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 28th, providing detailed insights into Jang's performance this season and the process of correcting his hitting mechanics. When a reporter mentioned that "he has hit more than 10 home runs," Manager Park smiled broadly, pointing out how much his student had grown at the plate.

Manager Park recalled, "When Jae-young first joined the team, he was a player with many structural flaws." He continued, "He would strike out on almost every pitch, even if it was just a one-bounce ball." He added, "However, this was due to structural issues such as his hitting mechanics. Once we corrected those aspects, he improved noticeably."

Sangmu's unique systematic training routine was also cited as a key factor in the change. Manager Park stated, "After the season ends in October, from November through March, for about five to six months, we intensively work on hitting programs." He emphasized, "We repeatedly perform individualized drills countless times so that players react unconsciously rather than thinking with their heads." While short-term training has its limits, analysis suggests that by establishing balance and helping players understand their hitting structure over several months, the rate of whiffs has decreased significantly.

Manager Park said firmly, "If he maintains the same tempo and flow as now, he will be more than capable of contributing in the first division." He added, "I am certain he will do well."

Jang Jae-young, who made a name for himself as the top pitcher on the high school circuit while attending Deoksu High School, was selected with the first overall pick by the Kiwoom Heroes in 2021 and debuted in the pros. At the time, he received a signing bonus of 900 million won, the highest amount ever for a rookie in the franchise's history, generating high expectations. However, over three seasons from 2021 to 2023 as a pitcher, he appeared in 56 games and pitched 103⅓ innings, recording a record of 1 win, 6 losses, and an ERA of 6.45. He struggled with deep slumps and difficulties due to chronic control issues compounded by an elbow injury.

Ultimately, Jang made the significant decision to transition to a position player during the 2024 season. Since his switch, he has appeared in 49 first-division games through last season, posting a batting average of .165 (22 hits in 135 at-bats), 4 home runs, 15 RBIs, and 15 runs scored. He enlisted in Sangmu in May of last year to begin intensive training.

Jang's potential, refined through military service, fully blossomed this season in the Futures League. In the 2026 season with Sangmu, he appeared in 71 games, recording a batting average of .280 (54 hits in 193 at-bats), 12 home runs, 50 walks, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of .983, marking a reasonably good performance.

He continued his peak hitting form in actual games as well. In the Futures League championship game against Ulsan on the 28th, Jang started as the No. 2 hitter and first baseman. He delivered a strong performance with one hit in two at-bats, two walks, and two runs scored, contributing three total bases to help secure the victory.

With his discharge from military service approaching in November, Jang Jae-young appears to have completely shaken off the transition period and trial-and-error experiences he faced while switching from pitcher to position player. Having firmly re-established his hitting mechanics at Sangmu, the "900-million-won arm" Jang Jae-young has confidently established himself as a "power-hitting prospect." Fans are building anticipation for what kind of explosive power he will showcase on the first-division stage after his return.

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

*This content was translated by AI.