One of the points to watch at the KIA Tigers’ Arizona spring camp is Byun Woo-hyuk (22), a transfer student. He was a geopo prospect who received the 2019 Hanwha 1st nomination. His last 4 years have shown nothing special. In his debut season in 2019, he played in 29 games and enlisted in the military. He returned, but only played in 21 games in 2022. 스포츠토토

A back injury limited his first-team service to just 42 days. However, among the 16 hits in the 2022 season, there are 3 doubles and 3 home runs. He hit a huge 130m home run. It was the appearance of a giant. KIA brought Byun Woo-hyuk from Stove League. They gave up two pitchers, Han Seung-hyuk and Jang Ji-su. The KIA absolutely needs a young gun following Hyeong-woo Choi and Seong-beom Na.

The starting point for growing giant poultry is Arizona Spring Camp, which starts on February 1st. Ahead of the spring camp, Byun Woo-hyeok shows signs of a competition for survival. Manager Kim Jong-guk, who has been in charge for the second year, acknowledged his defensive ability and mentioned that he could be appointed as first and third baseman. He did not forget the order to establish himself as the main player. 

Praise was for the defense, not the bat. Manager Kim, whom we met at the Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 25th, said, “Woo Hyuk is surprisingly good at defense. Despite his large body, his catching and throwing movements are quite smooth. From the outside, only his long hitting power seems to attract attention, but he is a friend who can also defend.” Thumbs up.

“This year, we will use them as third baseman and first baseman. Ryu Ji-hyeok, Kim Do-young (third baseman), and Hwang Dae-in Kim Seok-hwan (first baseman) will all compete with Byun Woo-hyuk,” he said. As long as he has good defense, he will use it as a multi, whether it is first base or third base. If he hits a long hit and even defends, he can jump right into the starting lineup. 

The reason why Coach Kim brought Byun Woo-hyuk up ahead of the spring camp is interpreted as an intention to induce competition for positions. Existing players can only be nervous. Third baseman is Ryu Ji-hyeok, who has established himself as a starting pitcher, and Kim Do-young, who is in his second year. Ryu Ji-hyeok reached his first regulation plate appearance last year and stepped up as a full-time starting pitcher. Kim Do-young, who has the ability to defend and run, is the starting pitcher right away.

First base is Hwang Dae-in and Kim Seok-hwan. Hwang Dae-in is the starter who posted his best record of 14 homers and 91 RBI last year. This year, the production of 20 home runs and 100 RBIs is also in sight. Kim Seok-hwan is a promising left-hander and plans to play both left fielder and first baseman. With the addition of Byun Woo-hyuk, the 1st and 3rd bases turned into first-class battlegrounds. The camp war caused by Byun Woo-hyuk became worth watching.