*This content was translated by AI.View Original
Is there really a team that is a perfect match for him? The protagonist who once played for the KIA Tigers, moved to another team, and ultimately wrote new history in the KBO League is Choi Won-jun (29), who is currently performing brilliantly for the KT Wiz.
As of 9 a.m. on the 9th, Choi Won-jun has recorded 204 hits in his career this season. In the regular-season home game against the Samsung Lions held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 7th, he started as the No. 1 designated hitter and contributed with three hits in four at-bats, one run batted in, and one run scored.
By adding three hits on that day, Choi Won-jun broke the KBO League single-season record for most hits. The previous record was 202 hits set by Reyes of the Lotte Giants in the 2024 season, which Choi Won-jun surpassed.
Choi Won-jun, who graduated from Yeonhyeon Elementary School, Seoul Gyeongwon Middle School, and Seoul High School, joined KIA as the third overall pick in the first round of the second draft in 2016. His signing bonus was 150 million won.
He appeared in 14 games in his rookie season, the 2016 season, and began to gain recognition by playing in 72 games in the 2017 season and 101 games in the 2018 season. His batting average was 0.198 in the 2019 season. However, he took a step forward in the 2020 season with a batting average of 0.326, two home runs, 35 RBIs, 72 runs scored, an on-base percentage of 0.387, and a slugging percentage of 0.421.
After completing his military service at the Military Baseball Team, he returned in June of the 2023 season and subsequently took charge of KIA's outfield as a starter. In the 2024 season, he contributed to KIA's championship sweep and enjoyed great joy.
However, he also experienced twists and turns. He moved to the NC Dinos through a 3-for-3 trade at the end of July 2025. At the time, KIA received pitchers Kim Si-hoon and Han Jae-seung, as well as infielder Jung Hyeon-chang, in exchange for Choi Won-jun, outfielder Lee Woo-seong, and infielder Hong Jong-pyo.
Choi Won-jun faced another change in November last year, ahead of the 2026 season. After acquiring free agent (FA) status following the end of the season, Choi Won-jun transferred to KT on a four-year contract worth up to 4.8 billion won (signing bonus of 2.2 billion won, total annual salary of 2 billion won, and incentives of 600 million won).
At the time, KT General Manager Na Do-hyun explained the background of the signing regarding Choi Won-jun: "He is an outfielder with extensive first-division experience and well-rounded abilities in hitting, fielding, and running. We signed him to strengthen the center line. I expect him to perform even better than he has in the past. I also hope he will serve as a new source of vitality for the outfield."
And General Manager Na's analysis that he is "a player who can achieve better results than before" ultimately became reality.
This season, Choi Won-jun has appeared in 138 games, posting a batting average of 0.355 (204 hits in 575 at-bats), nine home runs, 40 doubles, four triples, 73 RBIs, 124 runs scored, 27 stolen bases (12 failures), 74 walks, eight hit-by-pitches, 86 strikeouts, a slugging percentage of 0.485, an on-base percentage of 0.433, an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.918, and a batting average in scoring position of 0.356, demonstrating his prowess. In the process, the new KBO League single-season record for most hits naturally followed.
However, he has not yet been confirmed as the leader in the most hits category. This is because another "monster," Reyes, is still competing. Reyes also added two hits in a game against KIA held at Sajik Baseball Stadium on the 7th, bringing his hit total for this season to 203. He is just one hit behind Choi Won-jun.
For now, KT has two games remaining, while Lotte has four games left. With both players almost certain to start, Reyes, who has more games remaining, appears to have the advantage. However, of course, no one can predict the outcome.
Reyes is aiming for his third consecutive lead in most hits, following the 2024 season (202 hits) and the 2025 season (187 hits).
Looking only at the last 10 games, Reyes has recorded 20 hits in 45 at-bats (batting average of 0.444), while Choi Won-jun has recorded 24 hits in 47 at-bats (batting average of 0.511). The records show that both are displaying excellent hitting form toward the end of the season.
Who will ultimately be the leader in most hits this season?
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
