Choi Joo-hwan as Kiwoom’s starting first baseman?
Kiwoom Heroes caught a ‘big fish’ in the revived secondary draft. Kiwoom earned the No. 1 overall pick this season. They chose SSG Landers slugger Choi Joo-hwan.
It was a no-brainer. He was the strongest player on the secondary roster. Even though SSG has announced a generational change and hasn’t placed him on the protected list due to salary cap implications, Choi is still competitive. He’s already hit 20 home runs this season. While his batting average was only 2.335, there aren’t many hitters in the league who can hit 20 home runs. He was tied for sixth in home runs.
Now the question is, what position does Choi play? Choi’s main position is second base. However, 카지노사이트 his defense at second base is weak, so he often plays first base to take advantage of his hitting talent.
Naturally, a player wants to play second base. It increases his value. But clubs and managers have to think about the team as a whole. Given Kiwoom’s situation, it’s very likely that Choi will be utilized as a first baseman.
If we look back at the 2023 season
The team did not have a first baseman, a “hole” position. Lim Ji-yeol and Lee Won-seok played the most, but they didn’t get the chance. Jeon Byeong-woo, Song Sung-moon, Park Joo-hong, and Kim Soo-hwan also took turns at first base, which may have been a draw for Kiwoom despite the 400 million won compensation and Choi Joo-hwan’s high salary.
At second base, they have a national team member, a Golden Glove winner, and an undisputed defensive star in Kim Hye-sung. I’m calling for a move to shortstop, but it remains to be seen if that becomes a reality. Kiwoom is also in the market for veteran second baseman Seo Gun-chang.
Of course, if Kim Hye-sung makes it to the major leagues after next season, there’s a chance that Choi Joo-hwan could move to second base. But it’s the immediate 2024 season that matters, 메이저 토토사이트 and he’s in his mid-30s, so his defensive radius is bound to drop further.
“We signed him because we think he can maximize our offense,” manager Hong Won-ki said of Choi’s potential at second base. It’s safe to say that this comment has an answer.