A 'close Korean Series'? KT believes in its '13.8 billion won + 8 championship rings' free agent trio

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The 2026 KBO League Korean Series (KS) has concluded its first two games in a tightly contested format. Although many had predicted that the KT Wiz, who finished first in the regular season, would hold the advantage, the Samsung Lions used their momentum and fighting spirit to level the series at one win apiece.

However, KT still has a reliable foundation. The 'free agent (FA) trio' of Kim Hyun-soo (38), Heo Kyung-min (36), and Choi Won-jun (29) is showing strong form, providing solid support for the lineup.

Kim Hyun-soo, who transferred from the LG Twins this season on a three-year contract worth 5 billion won, started as the fifth hitter in Game 1 on the 3rd. He contributed to the team's 8-7 victory with two hits and two runs batted in, including a go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth inning. In Game 2 on the 4th, with KT trailing 1-2, he calmly drew a walk against Won Tae-in in the bottom of the 10th inning with one out and the bases loaded, recording an RBI to tie the game.

Heo Kyung-min, who left the Doosan Bears after the 2025 season to sign with the Wiz on a four-year contract worth 4 billion won, took the seventh spot in the batting order and performed well in Game 2 with two hits and one RBI. In the bottom of the fourth inning, trailing 0-1 with two outs and a runner on third base, he hit a tying left-field single off opposing starter Fedex.

Choi Won-jun, who led the regular season with 208 hits (second place), also maintained his hitting form. After recording a hit and a stolen base in his first at-bat of Game 1, he delivered a powerful performance in Game 2 with three hits, including one double, fulfilling his role as the leadoff hitter. Choi Won-jun also moved to the team before this season from the NC Dinos on a four-year contract worth 4.8 billion won.

The presence of these players, whose combined contract value is 13.8 billion won, extends beyond just offensive power. Most KT players have only one championship experience, in 2021. However, Kim Hyun-soo (Doosan in 2015; LG in 2023 and 2025) and Heo Kyung-min (Doosan in 2015, 2016, and 2019) each possess three championship rings. Choi Won-jun also tasted victory twice with KIA (in 2017 and 2024). Based on this experience, they are injecting composure and seasoned presence into the defense and the bench atmosphere.

KT has other successful FA signings as well. Catcher Han Seung-taek (32, four-year contract worth 1 billion won), who transferred from KIA this season, is guarding the home plate. Kim Sang-soo (36, four-year contract worth 2.9 billion won), who moved from Samsung in 2023, is currently dealing with a heel injury but led the team to a regular season championship as the starting second baseman.

KT Manager Lee Kang-cheol (60) did not lose his composure even after narrowly losing Game 2 by a score of 2-3 in the bottom of the 12th inning. "It seems luck went to Samsung's side at the end," he said. "The players worked really hard and did well. We will prepare well for the next game." This reflected his confidence and trust in his players.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original