As a free agent compensation player, Jang Jin-hyuk, wearing a KT Wiz uniform, exploded with a strong performance in the exhibition game.

On the 9th, Jang Jin-hyuk started as the right fielder in the 7th spot against LG in the 2025 KBO League exhibition game held at Suwon KT Wiz Park. He recorded 2 hits and 3 RBIs in 4 at-bats, including the go-ahead hit. KT won the game 9-4.

Jang Jin-hyuk played in 99 games for Hanwha last year, recording a batting average of .263 (76 hits in 289 at-bats), 9 home runs, and 44 RBIs with an OPS of .747. Last November, when Hanwha signed free agent pitcher Um Sang-baek with a maximum contract of 7.8 billion won for 4 years, KT designated Jang Jin-hyuk as Um Sang-baek's free agent compensation player.

KT manager Lee Kang-cheol did not hold back his praise for Jang Jin-hyuk before the game. He noted, "It seems we brought in Jang Jin-hyuk well. His quickness and start are really good. His power is better than expected," and mentioned, "He has the capability to play offense, defense, and base running. He is fast, has good starting ability, and can play all three outfield positions. He can be put anywhere and do it all."

The manager continued, "The four outfield positions have been determined," designating Jang Jin-hyuk as a backup for the three outfield positions. The starters are Rojas, Bae Jung-dae, and Kim Min-hyuk.

Jang Jin-hyuk was out at second base after hitting a ground ball against LG's starting pitcher Son Joo-young with two outs in the second inning. In the 5th inning, he hit a line drive that was almost a hit against Choi Chae-hung, but was caught by second baseman Shin Min-jae in a great defensive play.

Trailing 0-4, KT launched a major comeback in the bottom of the 6th inning. Lead-off hitter Kim Sang-soo reached base with the team's first hit, and after one out and a runner at third, Rojas drove in a run with a timely hit. Moon Sang-cheol walked, and then Kim Min-hyuk hit a timely single to narrow the score to 2-4. Cheon Seong-ho reached base on a hit by pitch, creating a bases-loaded opportunity. Yoon Jun-hyuk's ground ball was misplayed by shortstop Lee Young-bin, closing the gap to 3-4.

Jang Jin-hyuk faced lefty Kim Yoo-young and sent a hit down the left field line. Although it was slightly mis-hit, the trajectory was good. Left fielder Park Kwan-woo attempted a diving catch but failed, resulting in a 2-RBI double. KT took the lead at 5-4. After that, KT added 2 more runs.

In KT's 7th inning attack, with 2 outs and runners on first and second, Jang Jin-hyuk was at the plate. The pitcher Heo Jun-hyuk threw a wild pitch, allowing the runners to advance to third and second, and Jang Jin-hyuk hit a line drive single in front of the right fielder to add another run.

After the game, Jang Jin-hyuk said, "I was worried about moving to a new team, but the manager, coaches, and players helped me adapt very well, allowing me to focus during the camp."

The manager designated Jang Jin-hyuk as the fourth outfielder. He is set to be included in the opening roster. Jang Jin-hyuk said, "I do have the desire to be a starter, but I need to perform well when given the opportunity in order to become a starter, so I think I need to prepare well."

Regarding the praise that he is good at "offense, defense, and base running," Jang Jin-hyuk said, "I also think that is my strength. Being able to perform reasonably well in offense, defense, and base running can be considered an advantage." When asked about his greatest strength, he replied, "It's always a dilemma; if I don't perform well, I really can't do anything, and if I perform well, I can excel in all three areas."

Jang Jin-hyuk expressed confidence in his defense, saying, "In defense, center field is the most comfortable for me. I've backed up a lot, so I've practiced a lot and played in many games as a corner outfielder." Regarding his adaptation and impression of KT Wiz Park, he said, "I feel like I can concentrate better, the grass looks really good, and it's very nice." He added, "It looks small, but it's actually larger than I expected," referring to his new home park.

Not settling into the first team roster, Jang Jin-hyuk knows he must win the internal competition to become a starter. He stated, "I need to participate in many games to be considered, so I will strive to achieve good results when I play. I know it’s a bit awkward to express it like that, but I will prepare well so that when an opportunity arises, I can seize it effectively. I still believe there are areas for improvement in my batting, and I think I need to keep preparing effectively."

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