“You have to throw strikes first.”
Hanwha’s “160-kilometer super rookie” Kim Seo-hyun (19) is struggling. Manager Choi Won-ho (50) said, “Wait.” It’s not like he’s going to be called up to the first team right away. He said the basics.
Kim Seo-hyun, from Seoul High School, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 rookie draft. He came to the pros with a 500 million won contract. He also made it to the first team. He made his debut on April 19 against Dusan and earned a save with one scoreless inning against SSG on May 12.
He throws a fastball that reaches 160 kilometers per hour. This alone is a huge draw. That’s why Hanwha drafted him first overall. However, speed alone is not enough to judge a professional. You need a changeup and, most importantly, a fastball. This is where he falls short.
He had a relatively smooth start to his debut, but struggled as the season progressed. Until May, he had a 3.60 ERA. However, in June, he collapsed with a 16.88 ERA.
He was designated for assignment on June 8, but was recalled on June 10. He struggled again, giving up four runs in 2.2 innings and three runs in 2.2 innings, and was sent to the Futures. In all, he has just 20 games, 22.1 innings, one save, and a 7.25 ERA in the first team this season.
It may be difficult to see Kim in the first team for the rest of the season. Coach Choi Won-ho said, “I’m working hard. I trust the Futures coaches, and I’m waiting for them. I’ll be in the Miyazaki Education League until the final camp.”
On ‘level’ “When I say the level of the professional league, it could be the level of the hitters, or it could be the difference in the strike zone. Anyway, it didn’t work out the way he planned for the level. It’s bound to happen. You have to take your time,” he said.
“First and foremost, you have to find the feeling of throwing strikes. There is no other way but practice. If you take golf as an example, you can’t hit straight on the driving range indoors, and if you slice, you can’t hit straight out on the field.”
He further explained “Each player is different. Some players need training, and some players find it in practice. Kim Seo-hyun needs to practice. If you can’t throw strikes, you can’t survive in the pros,” he said.
“Pitching is the next problem. You need to be able to distinguish between a strike and a ball. You need to have a feeling. Only then can we talk about pitches.” “In fact, there are many players who have good pitches but poor command these days. If you throw strikes, you’re a great pitcher,” he said.
He started out in the bullpen, but has since switched gears and developed into a starter. In 14 games and 42.2 innings for the Futures, he has a 3-1 record, one save, and a 4.01 ERA. Again, nothing spectacular.먹튀검증
He still has a long way to go. Choi’s evaluation is also harsh. Instead, he’s taking the long view. He’s only 19 years old. Very few pitchers are complete from the start. He just needs to prepare well and become a part of the Hanwha mound.