"I'm putting in more effort."
Expectations are rising for KIA Tigers left-handed starter Yoon Young-cheol (21). Coach Lee Beom-ho has designated Yoon Young-cheol as the fourth starter before the start of spring camp. There were expectations that he would be optimized as a starting pitcher. It was clear that he demonstrated his capabilities as a starting pitcher from his rookie year in 2023 through 2024. This year, his speed and pitch quality have improved, hinting at a possible career-high.
After completing spring camp thoroughly, he conducted real-game checks in the exhibition games and Futures games. He participated in two exhibition games, pitching 7 innings and allowing 6 hits without giving up a run. On the 20th, he started in a Futures game against the KT Wiz, recording 1 run allowed over 5 innings. In three games, he allowed just 1 run over 12 innings, with an earned run average of 0.75. He has perfectly prepared for his first appearance, scheduled for the 26th against the Kwangju Kiwoom.
The performance he showed in real-game situations has significantly changed from last year. Even though it is mid-March, his speed has definitely increased compared to previous years. On the 14th, in the game against Doosan (Jamsil), he threw fastballs exceeding 140 km/h, reaching up to 143 km/h. His average fastball speed was around 140 km/h. By utilizing various pitches including curveballs, changeups, sliders, and cutters, he demonstrated his ability by pitching 4 scoreless innings.
The fact that he reached 143 km/h in an exhibition game brings hope that he could throw even faster during the season. He has received assessments that the angles of his curve and slider have become sharper. What he prepared for over the winter is being materialized on the mound. He focused heavily on weight training and made efforts to change his pitching mechanics to utilize more power during the pitching process. This was to achieve speed and pitch quality enhancement.
He has a consistent pitching form and a good pitch tunnel. However, since his velocity did not exceed 140 km/h, he was targeted as the batting order cycled. Although he has newly incorporated the cutter, speed that accompanies power is also crucial. He refined his speed as well as his curve and slider, and he showed hopeful pitching contents during the real-game preparations for the season opener. His aggressive approach on the mound, not shying away from challenges, also paid off.
Coach Lee Beom-ho noted, "Speed did not rise during the camp in Ube. While pitching at the camp in Japan, the ball gained more strength. I talked with the pitching coach and established a pitching form that twists the ball inwards. I am able to use more power now. Speed has risen more than expected. This year, I have gained even more strength."
Last year, perhaps due to the fact that he had been running straight ahead since his rookie season, he failed to complete a full season due to a lumbar stress fracture injury. His goal for 2025 is to complete a full season and surpass the first regulation innings (144 innings). He is in the best condition since joining the team. If he can finish without injury, there is a possibility of achievement. With help from the strongest batting lineup and robust bullpen, aiming for his first 10 wins seems plausible. The true spring of Yoon Young-cheol is beginning.
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