Kiwoom manager Ko Hyung-wook “can’t give up on the season”
Lee Joo-hyung goes 1-for-4 with a run scored in his Kiwoom debut on Sept. 29
The Kiwoom Heroes have traded away Won-tae Choi, who dedicated eight years to the organization. The big deal was a trade that considered both the present and the future.
On April 29, Kiwoom sent pitcher Choi Won-tae to the LG Twins in exchange for outfielder Lee Ju-hyung, pitcher Kim Dong-gyu, and a first-round draft pick in the 2024 KBO Draft.
Choi has been a key part of Kiwoom’s starting pitching staff this season. He has pitched 102⅓ innings in 17 games, posting a 6-4 record with a 3.25 ERA. The starting rotation of Ahn Woo-jin, Ariel Furado, Choi Won-tae, Ian McKinney, and Jang Jae-young was one of the strongest in the league.
However, Choi Won-tae’s eight-year stint with LG came to an end. With deep starting depth, Kiwoom opted for a prospect and a first-round rookie pick. Choi Won-tae’s spot will be filled by Chung Chan-heon.
“LG made the first offer, and after reviewing it, we decided to proceed,” said Kiwoom president Ko Hyung-wook. It was a difficult decision. The team has six starters, so we had enough starting resources, so we let go of (Choi) Won-tae and brought in prospects, and we had (Chung) Chan-heon, so we were able to make a decision.” “Our offense has been weak since the beginning of the season, so we are constantly reinforcing, but we are not doing well because of injuries,” he said.
Joining Kiwoom, Lee was selected by LG with the 13th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) Rookie Draft. He can play both infield and outfield positions, and is known for his fast running and precise hitting.
Lee made his debut against the Gocheok Samsung Lions on Sept. 29, the day of his transfer, starting in the No. 7 spot in left field and going 1-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored.
The 195-centimeter, 100-kilogram outfielder was selected by LG with the 17th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 KBO Draft. He utilizes his hardware to throw a powerful ball and has good flexibility.
“Lee Joo-hyung was a top prospect for LG. He has excellent offense and baserunning, and is especially strong in offense. He will be a great addition to the team.” “Kim Dong-gyu has excellent physical condition and throws a fastball in the mid-to-high 140s. He is a good starting option.”
Kiwoom currently sits in ninth place, but is still in a tight mid-table battle. They are 5.5 games behind the fourth-place NC Dinos. Despite losing a quality starting pitcher, the Heroes are still in the hunt for a postseason berth.
“There’s not much of a gap between us and fourth place,” Ko said, “We lost (Lee) Jung-hoo to injury, but (substitute foreign hitter) Ronnie Dawson came in and our offense became more active. We can’t give up on the season. 고스톱 It was a trade for both the present and the future.”