[Official] Shocking 'Korean Series → Postseason Elimination': Cold Wind of Releasing a Total of 6 Players, Full-Scale Roster Restructuring for Next Season Begins

*This content was translated by AI.

The Hanwha Eagles, who advanced to the Korean Series last year, have begun full-scale roster restructuring following their shocking elimination from the postseason this season.

Hanwha officially announced, "We have notified six players that they will not be re-signed for next season."

The players subject to release are a total of six: pitchers Kim Seung-il and Yang Sun-ryul, catcher Heo Gwan-hoe, infielders Kim Geon and Noh Seok-jin, and outfielder Gimhae Chan.

The release list largely includes players who had been sweating it out in the Futures League while aiming to break into the first division.

First, catcher Heo Gwan-hoe, who joined the team in 2020 and played a total of 54 games in the first division, packed his bags without recording any first-division appearances this season.

Heo Gwan-hoe was active in the first division for four seasons from the 2020 season to the 2023 season. He appeared in a total of 54 games, posting a batting average of 0.189 (18 hits in 95 at-bats), two doubles, three RBIs, eight runs scored, one stolen base (0 caught stealing), 14 walks, 1 hit by pitch, and 32 strikeouts, with an on-base plus slugging percentage of 0.211 and an on-base percentage of 0.295. He was active in the Futures League from the 2024 season through this season while aiming for a return to the first division, but failed, ultimately receiving the release notice.

Right-handed pitcher Kim Seung-il joined Hanwha as the 98th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 rookie draft. After completing his military service, he appeared in the first division starting from the 2024 season but failed to leave a clear mark. He also struggled to secure first-division pitching opportunities this season. Through last season, he pitched in eight first-division games, recording an ERA of 12.71, allowing seven hits, three walks, and four hit by pitches over a total of 5⅔ innings, striking out five batters while giving up eight runs (eight earned).

Yang Sun-ryul, who attempted a comeback through a tryout test, is also leaving the team. He joined SK Wyverns (now SSG Landers) as a developmental player in 2020 and wore the Hanwha uniform last year after being released following the 2023 season and playing in an independent league. He posted a 5-4 record with two holds and an ERA of 4.43 in 26 Futures League games this year, but concluded his time with Hanwha without a first-division call-up.

Infielder Kim Geon, who graduated from Yangjeong Elementary School, Kaeseong Middle School, and Gyeongnam High School, was drafted by Hanwha as the 43rd overall pick in the fifth round of the second phase of the 2019 draft and joined the team in 2020. From the 2020 season to the 2023 season, he appeared in a total of 16 professional games, recording a batting average of 0.172 (5 hits in 29 at-bats), three runs scored, and 13 strikeouts, with an on-base plus slugging percentage of 0.172 and an on-base percentage of 0.172.

Right-handed throwing, left-handed batting infielder Noh Seok-jin, who graduated from Bonri Elementary School, Daegu Middle School, and Segwang High School, was drafted by Hanwha as the 91st overall pick in the tenth round of the second phase of the 2022 draft. However, he ultimately never stepped onto the first-division stage. From the 2022 season onward, he appeared in a total of 28 Futures League games, posting a batting average of 0.167 (10 hits in 61 at-bats), three home runs, five RBIs, four runs scored, four walks, one hit by pitch, and 22 strikeouts, with an on-base plus slugging percentage of 0.311 and an on-base percentage of 0.227.

Outfielder Gimhae Chan, who graduated from Daejeon Yucheon Elementary School, Hanbat Middle School, and Daejeon High School, joined Hanwha as the 41st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2023 rookie draft. His signing bonus was 70 million won. However, he failed to realize his dream of debuting in the first division. He appeared in a total of eight Futures League games, recording a batting average of 0.200 (2 hits in 10 at-bats), one RBI, one run scored, and two strikeouts, with an on-base plus slugging percentage of 0.200 and an on-base percentage of 0.182.

Meanwhile, Hanwha plans to begin full-scale preparations for next season along with the conclusion of the remaining schedule.

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*This content was translated by AI.