“The message of this trade is clear.”
Carlos Subero (51), manager of the Hanwha Eagles, summarized the 2-2 trade with the NC Dinos.
The Hanwha team announced on the 14th, “We carried out a 2-2 trade to recruit infielder Cho Hyun-jin (21) and NC outfielder Lee Myung-ki (36) and catcher Lee Jae-yong (24) with the 2024 rookie 7th round nomination.”
Director Subero said through the club, “I was concerned that the catcher’s depth would weaken with the military enlistment of Huh In-seo, but I am very satisfied because the position was filled with the joining of a young military-time catcher and internal competition became possible.” I was a player who left a good impression on me, but the joining of these two players will strengthen our internal competition and help us develop into a better team.” 카지노사이트
The key is competition. Hanwha recruited outside free agent Chae Eun-seong for 9 billion won in 6 years in the Stove League. Another spot in the outfield is taken by Brian O’Grady (30). Mike Tuckman, who performed well with Hanwha last year with a batting average of 0.289, 12 homers and 43 RBIs, was not satisfied. Expect O’Grady’s long hitting power.
There will be fierce competition for the remaining seats. Including Noh Su-gwang (33), Jang Jin-hyeok (30), Jang Un-ho (29), Lee Jin-young (26), Yoo Gyeol, and Yoo Sang-bin (23), no one showed clear strength.
Coach Subero said, “In the meantime, we have received the most young players in the league, but now it is time to prepare them to a competitive level in the league.” There will be space,” he said.
It is true that Lee Myung-gi, who made his pro debut in 2008, looks ahead of them in competition even in his mid-30s. After 13 seasons, Lee Myung-gi’s career batting average reached 0.307. He played 94 games last season and suffered a somewhat sluggish batting average of 0.260, but compared to the Hanwha outfield, his performance was decent. Lee Myung-gi, who came to the market as a free agent and was in danger of losing his child, signed with NC for 100 million won (50 million won each for annual salary and options) for 1 year without a down payment, and then wore a Hanwha uniform as a trade. Head coach Subero hopes that Lee’s joining will serve as an opportunity for young players to grow together.
Interest is focused on Lee Myung-gi, but the starting point of this trade was the catcher. Through the club, general manager Son Hyuk said, “After Huh In-seo’s enlistment in the military, the number of catchers has decreased, and if unexpected situations such as injuries occur, it will be difficult to play the season, so (trade) was made while discussing the catcher trade.” The more , the more it helps the team, so it is advantageous to have a thick depth.”
Lee Jae-yong, who was nominated in the NC for the 2nd 5th round in 2017, was pushed back by Yang Eui-ji (Doosan Bears), Park Dae-on, and Kim Eung-min, but general manager Son Hyuk paid attention to the unknown catcher. “I watched the video, and I saw a catcher who had a good shoulder and showed potential in defense,” he said. “Because I brought in a good person, Kim Jung-min, the battery coach, I thought the possibility of growth would increase even more. Recruiting a young catcher who solved military service is a great help to team depth. It’s true,” he said with anticipation.
Cho Hyun-jin, who was handed over to NC, is also an infielder with potential. However, he decided that a trade would be better for immediate profit. General Manager Son explained, “I have a lot of resources for infield prospects such as Lee Min-joon and I have to solve the military issue, so I decided to trade because there may not be many opportunities right now.”
The Hanwha 1st team is in the middle of the 1st spring camp in Arizona, USA. At the end of this month, he plans to move to Okinawa, Japan, and adjust his senses in practice through practice games with domestic clubs. Lee Myung-ki and Lee Jae-yong, newly joined by trade, will join the Futures Spring Camp held in Kochi, Japan.
The squad for the 2023 season has not yet been confirmed. General Manager Son left the possibility open, saying, “Trade is always open. There will be many discussions and concerns, but we are not in a hurry.”