Baseball legend Jung Geun-woo predicted the 2025 KBO League standings.
Jung Geun-woo explained this year's KBO rankings and the strengths of each team on his YouTube channel 'Jung Geun-woo's Baseball Life' released on the 20th. The rankings Jung Geun-woo selected this year ranged from Hanwha Eagles in first place to Kia Tigers, Doosan Bears, LG Twins, Samsung Lions, KT Wiz, SSG Landers, Lotte Giants, NC Dinos, and finally Kiwoom Heroes in last place.
Jung Geun-woo noted the reason for choosing Hanwha in first place, saying, 'Last year, Ryu Hyun-jin did not fully adapt to ABS and the 'Ryu Hyun-jin effect' fell short of expectations, but this year will be different.' He added, 'Ryu Hyun-jin will solidify the pitching staff well.'
He continued, 'The player Noh Si-hwan, who struggled last year, is expected to bounce back this year, and Shin Woo-jun and Eom Sang-baek must deliver results.' He stated, 'With the addition of good players like Ryan Weiss, Kodi Ponce, and Estevan Florial, it is time for the team to shine. Every position looks solid, and we expect to have very interesting baseball when facing Kia.'
Regarding Kia, which he selected in second place, he said, 'The player depth is excellent.' He mentioned, 'Major leaguer Adam Aller, big hitter Patrick Wisdom signed at first base, and James Naile has re-signed. Depending on how well Wisdom can fill in for Socrates at the plate and how well Jo Sang-woo can take over for Jang Hyun-sik, the mound will feel strong.'
On Doosan Bears, which he picked as third, he said, 'Manager Lee Seung-yeop has finished fifth and fourth, so it's time to aim for third.' He noted, 'I think signing Cole Irvin is a good acquisition, and I'm curious if Jack Logue can perform as well as the reputation of Haechi. Additionally, the signing of Jake Cave will solidify Doosan's mound.'
He added, 'Doosan has a lot of young players who are really good. Last year, Yang Eui-ji missed many games due to injury, and there were injuries to foreign players that led to a loss of strength, but if veterans like Yang Eui-ji, Kim Jae-hwan, and Yang Seok-hwan can hold the fort, good results are expected.'
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