Shim Woo-joon is overpaying 5 billion won?Confidence of the head coach "Expecting a role as little as a 10-win pitcher, the FA should be evaluated after the end."

Nov 18, 2024

photo courtesy of Hanwha Eagles

[Miyazaki(Japan) = Reporter Lee Jong-seo of Sports Chosun] "It's no less than a 10-win pitcher."

After this season, the Hanwha Eagles came out the fastest to strengthen their power. He signed a four-year contract with FA infielder Shim Woo-joon (29) for a total of 5 billion won (4.2 billion won in guarantees and 800 million won in incentives), and signed a four-year total of 7.8 billion won (6.65 billion won in guarantees and 1.15 billion won in incentives) with pitcher Um Sang-baek. Shim Woo-joon and Um Sang-baek will travel to Miyazaki, Japan, where Hanwha's closing camp is underway, on the 18th to meet the players.

Recruitment of Shim Woo-joon is the first part Hanwha thought of as a reinforcing point in this stove league. Shim Woo-joo, who joined KT Wiz as the 14th special designated player in the second round in 2014, debuted in the first division in 2015 and has a batting average of 254 and 275 RBIs and 156 steals (0.788).

He has an excellent main force enough to become the steal king in 2020, and a wide range of defense is also an advantage.

Hanwha explained at the time of recruitment that `With the addition of Shim Woo-joon, we have secured stable shortstop resources with the fast feet and operational capabilities that we want on the spot and strengthen our infield depth.'

Shim Woo-jun taking a photo with general manager Son Hyuk (left). Photo courtesy = Hanwha Eagles

"Shim Woo-joon is a player who can play more than 100 games in the season and has the ability to become a mainstay of strengthening the center line next season with a stable defense. It will help the team in various ways in that the introduction of pitch clock can put pressure on opposing pitchers."

Shim Woo-jun also cited "defensive and baserunning" as his strength and thinks that "that's why he came in good conditions." Taking advantage of my strengths, I'm going to steal 20-30 bases unconditionally."

KT Shim Woo-joon is training for defense in the third round of the semi-playoff between LG and KT at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 8th. Suwon = Reporter Heo Sang-wook wook@sportschosun.com /2024.10.08/

In terms of defense and main focus, it was evaluated as the top of the similar age group, but controversy over 'Overpay' continued with the batting average staying in the mid-20s. He pointed out that he still has clear strengths as a player in his 20s, but it is difficult to be a force in the lineup.

Hanwha coach Kim Kyung-moon drew a line over the controversy over 'Overpay' Coach Kim said, "(Overpay) might be burdensome, but I don't think it's (overpay). Shim Woo-joon said, "I think I can play a role as much as a 10-win pitcher with defense and base running rather than an offensive indicator."

The expectation that hitting won't be a big problem either. He hit a batting average of 266 in 53 games this season after returning from his service in Sangmu, but it was analyzed that he could go up a little more than this.

Coach Kim said, `I don't know how to change the batting form because I have to consult with the hitting coach, but if I change it, I hope I have a hitting mechanism to save my feet a little faster. If the on-base percentage and batting average increase, it is good for the team and good for yourself. I think I can play better than now."

Shim Woo-jun. Hanwha Eagles SNS Capture

Shim Woo-joon's excellent defense is also expected to produce a great effect. Manager Kim said, "(Shim) Woo-joon's arrival will help our pitcher a lot as the shortstop's defense widens." "(I) Do-yoon played a good role this year. Doyoon has an idea of how to use it according to Doyoon.

Coach Kim continued, "The FA will be evaluated after the end. You can't talk about failure and success as soon as you come", and expected the successful settlement of Shim Woo-jun.

bellstop@sportschosun.com