KIA fans know how to cheer for you. I'll repay you Cho Sang-woo's sincerity, how did it feel to be traded?
Dec 19, 2024
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The trade, which had only been rumored all year, has become a real reality. The team that wanted pitcher Cho Sang-woo (30) the most was the KIA Tigers. KIA handed over 1 billion won in cash to Kiwoom Heroes on the 19th and the first and fourth rounds of rookies in 2026 and made a trade to recruit closer Cho Sang-woo. KIA thought about how to fill the vacancy while FA Jang Hyun-sik (29), who was a key bullpen, signed a four-year contract with the LG Twins for 5.2 billion won and left the team, and eventually succeeded in recruiting Cho Sang-woo, who had been watching with interest.
The trade was made because KIA wanted it first. KIA general manager Shim Jae-hak contacted Kiwoom general manager Ko Hyung-wook to meet an hour before the Golden Glove Awards on the 13th, and offered Cho Sang-woo trade at the meeting. Amid the formation of a consensus between the two teams, they tied the knot on the day when the executive committee was held on the 16th and 17th.
KIA manager Lee Bum-ho said "He's a very good pitcher, and he had a little bad time last season after serving in the military, but I think he has a good ability." Now that I'm 30 years old, I think I'm a very good friend, so if I come to our team, I think the team itself can rise. We were also very worried about the place where Jang Hyun-sik was sent, but the general manager did a good job of reinforcing the power. He expressed satisfaction.
An official from KIA said "We pushed for this trade by agreeing with the field about the need to strengthen the bullpen. Cho Sang-woo is a proven pitcher who combines a 150km fastball and sharp slider with various pitches such as splitter, change-up, and curve. As he has played a must-win role in the KBO League and international competitions so far, he said, "I expect it to be of great help to the team in the future."
After graduating from Daejeon High School, right-handed Cho Sang-woo joined the Heroes as the No. 1 overall pick in the first round in 2013, he returned this season after completing his alternative military service as a social service worker (2022-2023). He also played for the 2015 and 2019 Premier 12 and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The overall performance in the nine KBO League seasons is 343 games, 33 wins and 25 losses, 54 holds, 88 saves, and a 3.11 ERA. In 2020, he made 33 saves and won his first career save king title.
Cho Sang-woo got in touch with Sports Chosun after a hectic afternoon. He said "I'm still a little dazed. (After the real trade) But I'm thinking in a good direction," he said calmly.
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-I'd like to hear how you feel about the trade.
When I think of ▶ KIA, the title of prestigious club comes to mind. I'm grateful that such a good club needs me again and trades me. The general manager and the director must have struggled a lot, but I would like to say thank you so much for taking me here because I need it.
-KIA general manager Shim Jae-hak said, "He is the winning player next year."
▶Thank you very much for thinking that way. Also, I think I should make my body better and show better performance to meet that expectation.
-He left Kiwoom for the first time.
▶It is regrettable that the senior players, Hong Won-ki, and the coach who have been together for 12 years have been together since their coaching days and have many memories with many players. It's a bit disappointing to think that other teams should now see the support of the fans who have supported us a lot since we were rookies.
-You must have heard a lot from your Kiwoom colleagues.
▶Everyone was disappointed. I got a lot of calls. Everyone was disappointed, but they told me that they wanted me to go and do well without getting sick. Unfortunately, I am grateful for your support.
-If he comes to KIA, he will likely draw a competitive structure with closer Jung Hae-young.
▶First of all, I need to be well-made. What I'm good at is the priority, and the coach decides on the position. I'm thinking that I should throw hard in any given seat.
-How are you feeling. I had a shoulder injury.
▶In fact, the pain was already caught before the end of the season. Anyway, the team told me not to overdo it and to rest a little more, so I rested a little early. There is no pain, and I am preparing well without pain.
-If you could say something to Kiwoom fans.
▶For 12 years, I was able to play baseball happily because the fans supported me a lot. Now I'll see you at the ballpark in a different team uniform, but I'll still work hard and show good performances, so I'll look forward to your continued support.
-Please say a word of your commitment to KIA fans.
▶First of all, it's the winning team this year, and it's a really good club. I know that there is a lot of support from KIA fans. I will work hard so that I can repay that support and pay back with good results next year.
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rina1130@sportschosun.com
