On the 22nd, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) revealed the opening roster of a total of 280 players from 10 teams participating in the opening game.

This year, the Hanwha Eagles, which are receiving the most attention in the ranking competition, compiled a remarkable opening roster. There are only 10 pitchers, indicating it’s an entry managed for just one opening game.

Hanwha will play its opening game against the KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 22nd. Hanwha has included predicted starting pitcher Ponce and 2nd-3rd starters Wise and Ryu Hyun-jin, as well as bullpen pitchers Han Seung-hyuk, Kim Seo-hyun, Lee Tae-yang, Park Sang-won, Joo Hyun-sang, Jung Woo-joo, and Kwon Min-kyu in the roster.

Other teams have included 12-13 pitchers in their opening rosters. KT has the second lowest number of pitchers at 11, following Hanwha. All seven bullpen pitchers for Hanwha are setup men, with no mop-up pitchers.

It seems like the starting pitcher Ponce is not even considering collapsing early, as Lee Tae-yang can serve as a long reliever. In front of the closer Joo Hyun-sang, Han Seung-hyuk, Park Sang-won, and Kim Seo-hyun must responsibly handle at least one inning for bullpen management to be viable.

Ponce, who was chosen as the opening day starting pitcher over Ryu Hyun-jin, showcased a dominant performance with a 0.00 ERA in two exhibition games against SSG and NC, pitching 9 innings with 3 hits allowed, 4 walks, and 10 strikeouts.

Rookies Jung Woo-joo (2nd overall pick) and Kwon Min-kyu (12th overall pick) have been included in the opening roster. Last year, during his senior year at Jeonju High School, Jung Woo-joo hit a top speed of 156 km/h. He pitched 2⅓ innings in three exhibition games, recording 3 hits allowed, 1 walk, 2 strikeouts, and a 0.00 ERA.

Left-handed pitcher Kwon Min-kyu recorded 1 hit allowed, no walks, and 5 strikeouts in 2⅔ innings over three exhibition games, demonstrating excellent command with a mid-140 km/h fastball. Left-handed fireball pitcher Kim Beom-soo did not make the roster, with rookie Kwon Min-kyu being the only left-handed reliever.

Hanwha, which reduced the number of pitchers, included 18 position players in its roster. Hanwha will face KT's left-handed starter Haysus. They have included several resources for defensive replacements, pinch runners, and pinch hitters. Catchers include starter Choi Jae-hoon, backup Lee Jae-won, and Heo In-seo.

Infielders Chae Eun-sung, Ahn Chi-hong, Sim Woo-jun, and Noh Si-hwan will be joined by backups Lee Do-yoon, Hwang Young-mook, Moon Hyun-bin, and Kwon Gwang-min. There are as many as 7 outfielders, including Florial, Kim Tae-yeon, Lim Jong-chan, Choi In-ho, Lee Jin-young, Lee Won-seok, and Lee Sang-hyuk.

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