'KIA and Samsung Legend' Im Chang-yong's Playoff Outlook: "Tight Battle, Slight Edge to the Tigers—But My Heart Remains Neutral"

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Former professional baseball player Im Chang-yong (50), who donned the uniforms of both the KIA Tigers and the Samsung Lions to dominate an era, analyzed the direction of the playoff series ahead of the autumn baseball showdown between his former teams. His pick was a slight advantage for the KIA Tigers, who have secured ample rest and reorganized their starting rotation.

On the 22nd, in a video titled "Im Chang-yong's Final Prediction for the KIA vs. Samsung Playoff Showdown" released on his YouTube channel "Changyong Bulpae-Im Chang-yong," Im analyzed the strengths of KIA and Samsung, who face off in the 2026 KBO Postseason Playoffs (best-of-five series), from multiple angles.

Knowing both teams better than anyone, Im stated that while he "fundamentally views the overall strength of both teams as similar," he identified "rest period" and "starting pitcher management" as key factors that will determine the outcome of the series.

"The fact that KIA ended the Junior Playoffs early in a three-game sweep is truly a major advantage," he said. "If they had gone to Game 5, it would have been physically demanding, but by finishing in three games, they got four days of rest. They can restart their normal rotation from the number one starter, and their complete-game pitching arsenal is fully intact, so KIA has more than enough chance to seize control."

Regarding the predicted series score, he said, "I predict a 3-1 victory for KIA," while adding, "If it flows into a close contest, it will be a tight battle that goes to 3-2, no matter which team wins."

Im also emphasized the importance of gaining an early psychological edge in a short series. "The first game is the most important. Both teams will approach Game 1 with the mindset that they must win at all costs," he noted. "There is a very high probability that both teams will deploy their full strength in a matchup between their number one ace pitchers."

As two former teams where he reached the peak of his professional career collide, a cheeky question about which team he supports was also asked. Having played in both the United States and Japan, it is quite coincidental that in the KBO League, he wore only the uniforms of the Tigers and the Lions.

In response, Im laughed and said, "Honestly, my stance is thoroughly neutral." He continued, "KIA is my hometown team (Gwangju) where I was born and raised, as well as the team where I took my first professional step and ended my career. At Samsung, I spent the longest period of time and built countless memories. I like both teams, but since my hometown is Gwangju, there is a part of me that leans slightly more toward KIA."

Meanwhile, Im began his professional baseball career in 1995 and retired after the 2018 season. He also served as a national team player and was named to the "Legend 40" list selected by the KBO to mark its 40th anniversary of launch.

Im, who recorded an impressive career record in the KBO with 760 appearances, 130 wins, 86 losses, 19 holds, 258 saves, and a 3.45 ERA, also left a solid mark in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). From the 2008 season to the 2012 season, he made 238 appearances over five seasons, recording 11 wins, 13 losses, 128 saves, and a 2.09 ERA. In the 2013 season, playing for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball (MLB), he appeared in six games, going winless with a 5.40 ERA.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original