KT's second choice...7.8 Billion FA Eom Sang-baek Compensation Player, Hanwha 'Handsome Outfielder' Jang Jin-hyuk

Nov 18, 2024

Sportschosun DB

KT's second choice was Jang Jin-hyuk.

KT Wiz selected the second compensation player from Hanwha Eagles. Jang Jin-hyuk will wear KT's uniform.

KT officially announced on the 18th that it has appointed Jang Jin-hyuk as a compensation player for the FA Um Sang-baek.

As soon as the FA market opened, Hanwha recruited shortstop Shim Woo-joon and pitcher Um Sang-baek one after another. It invested 5 billion won in Shim Woo-joon and 7.8 billion won in Um Sang-baek. Coincidentally, both were players who played for KT.

Both Shim Woo-joon and Um Sang-baek were FAB grade. In addition to the 25 protected players, Hanwha had to compensate KT for one compensation player and 100% of the previous salary.

Since Shim Woo-joon's contract came first, the compensation process was carried out earlier, and KT named pitcher Han Seung-joo as a compensation player. Although he will join Sangmu next month, KT chose Han Seung-joo, who has both good pitching and sincerity, based on the judgment that he could be a key resource in the future.

And this time, it was Um Sang-baek's turn to reward players. The final choice was outfielder Jang Jin-hyuk.

photo courtesy of Hanwha Eagles

Jang Jin-hyuk is a player who graduated from Dankook University and joined Hanwha in 2016. He continued to be expected as an outfield prospect, but failed to burst into bloom. He played 113 games in the 2019 season and became a main player, but played only 19 games the following year.

However, due to the Hanwha team's weak outfield power, it was re-appointed this year, and after manager Kim Kyung-moon took office, he actually received many opportunities as the main player. He hit 263 with nine home runs, 44 RBIs and 14 steals in 99 games this season. He has long-shot power and is quick on his feet. His shoulder is strong, so his defense in the outfield is not bad. Good looks are a bonus. He was recently selected as the main model when Hanwha's new uniform was unveiled.

The Hanwha-KIA match at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 4th. Jang Jin-hyuk, with two outs and runners on the first and second bases, is happy after hitting an RBI timely hit in the top of the first inning. Gwangju = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.9.4/

However, Hanwha, who is aware of the situation of the KT team, which is in urgent need of infield resources, has grouped protected players mainly in the infield. Jang Jin-hyuk was forced to unravel, and KT aimed for the gap. Head coach Lee Kang-chul is said to have been attracted by Jang Jin-hyuk's play during the season as well. Jang Jin-hyuk is from Gwangju Jeil High School like Lee.

KT has a built-in allocation table in the center field position. The left fielder is Kim Min-hyuk, but it is not easy to play full-time due to many injuries. It can be a competitive system with Jang Jin-hyuk. Chun Sung-ho and Ahn Hyun-min are trying to convert to the outfield, but the defense is still unstable. Jung Joon-young, who played well as a backup defender, will join the army. On top of that, the nomination of Jang Jin-hyuk can be a safe option in a situation where foreign batter Rojas has received attention from the Major League and Japanese professional baseball.

KT's general manager Na Do-hyun said "Recruitment to strengthen the fielders' depth" It is an instant power with more slugging power than the league's average, defense and baserunning strength. We expect to create synergy with existing outfield players"The reason for the nomination was explained.

awesome@sportschosun.com