My offseason has been longer than others...
The 2025 season for professional baseball player Kang-nam Yoo (33) of the Lotte Giants is filled with determination. After obtaining free agent (FA) status at the end of 2022, he transferred from LG to Lotte for four years and 8 billion won. In his first year of transfer in 2023, he left some regrets compared to the expectations placed on him, and last year, while experiencing ups and downs, he ultimately ended up sidelined for the season due to injury. His reputation as 'Iron Man' has been tarnished. He underwent surgery on his left knee meniscus in mid-July. The prognosis indicated that rehabilitation would take 7 to 8 months.
Now in the third year of his contract, Kang-nam Yoo needs to make an effort for both Lotte and himself. His mind, filled with responsibility and regret, has been refocused with determination through the rehabilitation process. He emphasized, "I had a longer offseason than others," adding, "I disappointed not only myself but also many others. That’s why I worked harder. "
His slimmed-down body and sharp jawline illustrate Kang-nam Yoo's determination during the past offseason. He stated, "I lost 13 kg and am maintaining it while being careful about my diet." He continued, "I thought I needed to utilize this long offseason well. I invested that time into myself. I believe it became a time to organize my thoughts to play baseball better," adding, "It might have been a painful time, but it was also a meaningful time." Coach Tae-hyung Kim mentioned Kang-nam Yoo as a key player who will influence this season. While he struggled with Kang-nam Yoo's poor performance early last season, he had to pay attention to the younger catchers after Kang-nam's absence. Coach Kim stressed, "This year, (Kang) Nam needs to perform really well. Our catching staff has been carrying ongoing burdens since last year, and the young catchers need to grow. We need the strength of veteran starters to guide and stabilize the young pitchers; only then can the young pitchers grow."
Kang-nam Yoo agreed with Coach Tae-hyung Kim's thoughts. He knows he must take on more responsibility even without being told. He resolved, "I think I need to do well. I should feel that burden." He noted that he has a strong desire to make up for ending last season early. "If I can be a greater help to my team, then I believe our team can do better," he pledged. Kang-nam Yoo is considering how to achieve the best results both offensively and defensively. His batting statistics last season included a .191 batting average (26 hits in 136 at-bats), 5 home runs, and 20 RBIs across 52 games, which were close to failing. He stated, "I’ve been lost in my performance for three years since my best days. I approached hitting incorrectly. I should have sought a higher probability and followed the common points of better hitters, but I got lost chasing my feelings. As a result, I had many thoughts and my mental state deteriorated significantly," he said, adding, "That’s why, during the rehabilitation period, I made sure to establish these aspects well. I prepared to carry what I had been continuously preparing for throughout the season without wavering."
Additionally, he aims to prepare for the lowered outfield wall at Sajik Stadium defensively. He explained, "When I’m sitting as a catcher, I need to prevent giving timing to opposing batters to avoid allowing home runs. Rather than being conscious of the wall, if I don't give timing to the opponent, I believe I can prevent long hits." Now, Kang-nam Yoo is undergoing the final stages of rehabilitation at the second camp in Miyazaki, preparing to wear a catcher’s mask in the final two games of the Miyazaki camp ahead of the opening match.
/jhrae@osen.co.kr
[OSEN=타이난(대만), 조형래 기자]