Professional baseball player Jo Byeong-hyeon (23) of SSG Landers has expressed an ambitious goal of setting the club's all-time save record.

Jo Byeong-hyeon appeared in relief during a practice game against KT Wiz on the 28th of last month at the Kushigawa Stadium in Okinawa, Japan, recording 1 inning, 2 hits allowed, and 1 earned run. SSG ended the game in a 5-5 tie, finishing the practice game with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss.

Jo Byeong-hyeon, who joined SK (now SSG) as the 28th pick in the 3rd round of the 2021 rookie draft, made his major league debut in 2021, but he only managed to record an 8.10 earned run average over 3 games (6⅔ innings). He later enlisted in the military and showed promise during two seasons in the Future League, where he recorded 54 games (72⅔ innings), 6 wins, 3 losses, 5 holds, and 17 saves with an earned run average of 2.85.

After completing military service, Jo Byeong-hyeon finally unleashed his potential. Last season, he recorded 76 games (73 innings), 4 wins, 6 losses, 12 holds, and 12 saves with an earned run average of 3.58. His ability to catch batters was excellent, with a strikeout rate reaching 11.84, and in the latter half of the season, he gained experience in crucial situations as the closer.

SSG coach Lee Seung-yong confirmed Jo Byeong-hyeon as the closer for this season. Given his good performance in last year's closer test, they believe he can handle the role full-time.

In an interview on the 27th of last month, Jo Byeong-hyeon stated, “I am gradually improving my condition. My physical condition is very good. (I will start the season as a closer, but) not much has changed. My goal is to finish the season without injuries. This year, I think my curveball has improved. I felt good, and after throwing in Japan, the overall balance felt quicker. So, I tried some adjustments during catch practice, and it seems to have improved again.”

SSG has had many closers who have won the save title. Ha Jae-hoon (36 saves) in 2019 and Seo Jin-yong (42 saves) in 2023 are among those who claimed the title. Jo Byeong-hyeon mentioned, “Rather than focusing on being a closer, I often ask how to perform well throughout the season. Everyone advised me that as long as I stay consistent and work hard as I always have, it will be fine.”

Jo Byeong-hyeon was originally scheduled to pitch in a practice game against Hanwha on the 27th of last month, but he delayed his appearance by a day and pitched against KT on the 28th. He laughed, saying, “We only have one home game, and I think it was changed because the fan observation group is coming that day.” Jo also stated, “I feel a lot of interest from the fans now. When I go out, there are many who recognize me, so I have to be more careful. Even when I visited a theme park, despite it being very crowded, some people recognized me. It can be a bit tough at times, but I feel grateful for the recognition.”

Jo Byeong-hyeon stated, “I always have the goal of becoming the save king.” He added, “I feel like I should have one or two more than the seniors.” When asked about setting the record for the most saves in the club, he said, “It’s better to have big goals.” He continued, “When I experienced being a closer last year, it was more fun. It’s more exciting to finish games myself, and I feel a stronger competitiveness. I do not usually feel much tension. Even when I’m in a crisis situation, I find it more enjoyable. They say it’s better for closers to keep things simple, and I think that's true for me as well.”

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