'KS after 19 years → immediate drop to 9th place': Hanwha's cold reality, Manager Ryu Ji-hyun's keywords: 'Sustainable powerhouse + system baseball' [Daejeon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"The year 2027 starts tomorrow."

While others are focused on the fall baseball season, the Hanwha Eagles are preparing for the next season even faster. New manager Ryu Ji-hyun (55) went a step beyond simply describing preparations for the upcoming season, stating that the 2027 season has already begun.

Manager Ryu Ji-hyun expressed his resolve at a press conference held after the inauguration ceremony for Hanwha's 15th manager, which took place on the 16th at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark.

Following the conclusion of the final game on the 10th, Manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) stepped down, and Ryu was appointed as Hanwha's new manager on the 13th. Although specific methods have not yet been finalized, his vision is clear.

The Hanwha Eagles, who failed to reach the fall baseball postseason after 2007, sought to improve their fundamental structure through free agent acquisitions and the appointment of renowned managers, but the results were underwhelming. In particular, they entrusted the helm to Kim Young-yong (85) and Kim Sung-geun (84), two of only two managers in KBO history with 1,000 wins, yet neither was able to lead the team to the fall postseason.

Although Hanwha made a return to the fall postseason for the first time in 11 years in 2018, there was no continuity. Over the following six years, Hanwha's standings were limited to 9th, 10th, 10th, 10th, 9th, and 8th place.

In 2024, Manager Kim Kyung-moon was appointed, and the following year, the team achieved the remarkable feat of advancing to the Korea Series for the first time in 19 years. However, that momentum did not continue this time either. Unlike last year, when they brought in top-tier foreign pitchers, Hanwha plummeted to 9th place amid the underperformance of their foreign players.

This is the cold reality that Hanwha must face honestly. Because they expected significant change through replacing some players or the manager rather than overhauling the overall problematic system, it was inevitable that the results would be underwhelming.

The atmosphere at Hanwha has definitely changed recently. Although they had consistently remained in the lower ranks, this came with the reward of being able to select top prospects in the upper rounds of the draft, and young players such as Moon Dong-ju, Noh Si-hwan, Kim Seo-hyun, and Jung Woo-ju have established themselves as core members. Now, a manager is needed who can help these players steadily rise to become league-leading players without significant ups and downs.

Manager Ryu cited the lack of fixed positions in the bullpen and the infield/outfield lineup as one of the key issues. He noted that this caused confusion within the team.

Manager Ryu Ji-hyun said, "This year was a difficult season for Hanwha. Many injuries occurred early in the season. We managed to run the season while carrying overall difficulties. Rather than overly evaluating last season, we need to look at what needs to be re-established and organized going forward." He added, "First is the pitching staff. The season continued without a settled structure for starters, middle relievers, and the closer. It is true that this caused confusion both collectively and individually. In that regard, we are preparing step by step as training begins tomorrow."

Manager Ryu's goal is clear: to ensure the team consistently remains in the upper ranks without its performance fluctuating due to specific favorable or unfavorable factors. Manager Ryu said, "Looking at recent KBO championship teams, they maintain their position in the top tier for three to five years. This aspect is extremely important. I want to build a sustainable powerhouse." He expressed his expectations by adding, "Honestly, there are quite a few gaps visible. If we fill these gaps step by step, one by one, we can build a strong team. By consistently knocking on the door of the championship from the upper ranks, a good time will come."

This has also been a key area of concentrated discussion with newly appointed General Manager Seok Jang-hyun since his appointment. Manager Ryu said, "Three days is not a long time. I have continued to speak about what needs to be decided as a priority even up until today. We are in agreement on the idea of playing system baseball." He emphasized, "When I discussed the direction of the company and the team with the president after my appointment, there was much alignment. I feel a great sense of responsibility to build things well during my tenure as manager. To become a prestigious club, the team must not waver based on the individual capabilities of the manager alone. The organization's direction must be clear, and the manager must collaborate to accurately set that direction. This will also be reflected in game performance. One of the most important parts I consider when starting is that system."

This is also what Hanwha fans desire most. Manager Ryu, who frequently visited Hanwha Life Ballpark to observe players as the national team manager, was captivated by the enthusiastic Hanwha fans from that time. He explained, "I could feel the passion of the fans. In particular, seeing them chant 'Strongest Hanwha' in the late stages of games brought me great joy. It is deeply moving that they support us with the same heart whether we win or lose." He added, "I thought I needed to create many moments where fans can feel pride when chanting 'Strongest Hanwha.' I will do my best so that they can return home with a happy heart."

To achieve this, they must move faster and take one more step than others. Manager Ryu said, "The year 2027 starts tomorrow. Although it is called closing training, I do not want to call it 'closing'; I want to call it the start of the 2027 season." He added, "I think traffic control is also needed for overlapping positions, especially among position players. We will create the optimal combination through the Miyazaki (closing) camp and the Melbourne (spring) camp."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original