"I am nervous."
The KIA Tigers, challenging for a consolidated two-time championship, announced their 2025 professional baseball opening day roster, which includes a player not seen for the past two years: captain Na Seong-bum. He missed the opening day in the 2023 season due to a calf injury sustained during the World Baseball Classic and was unable to participate in the 2024 season due to a hamstring injury. Naturally, he failed to complete a full-time season.
This year was different. He took good care of his body during the offseason and was able to participate in the opening day after completing spring camp and exhibition games in good health for the first time in three years. Coincidentally, on the previous day, he participated in the 'Safety Prayer Ceremony' held at Champions Field, where he stepped forward as the captain and offered both rice and alcohol.
Before training, he smiled and said, "I am a bit nervous." Although it was a brief statement, it was clear how he felt about the opening. He signed a six-year free agent contract and joined the team, with the 2022 season being the only full-time one. Given that he missed the start due to injuries for two consecutive years, he naturally felt a deep sense of regret. Nevertheless, his performance, despite the injuries, was remarkable.
In the 2023 season, after his return, he showcased his power with a batting average of .365, 18 home runs, 57 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.098 over 58 games. He played 102 games in the 2024 season, recording a batting average of .292, 21 home runs, 80 RBIs, and an OPS of .868. While his slugging ability declined, he demonstrated clutch performance at critical moments, contributing to the consolidated championship. In the Korean Series, he achieved a batting average of .350, with 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored, securing his second championship ring.
This year, he set an absolute goal of playing full-time and prepared his body accordingly. He did not participate in practical training during spring camp. Instead, he focused on running to strengthen his lower body. He warmed up from the exhibition games, achieving a batting average of .333 with 5 hits in 16 at-bats. From the first day, he timed his hitting well, producing strong contact. While he did not hit any home runs, he recorded 2 doubles. His body showed no issues. He was fully prepared for the opening.
The KIA lineup is being regarded as the strongest in the league. Interest is focused on the performance of new foreign player Patrick Wisdom, who has tremendous power with 88 home runs in Major League Baseball. He could not showcase his unique power in the exhibition games and faces the challenge of adapting to a new league that throws a lot of breaking balls. Coach Lee Beom-ho has also expressed that Wisdom needs to endure for at least a month, conveying a sense of patience.
Despite the variable of Wisdom, the reason KIA has high expectations lies with Na Seong-bum. Just having him in the middle of the lineup itself is a tremendous boost for the team. The lineup with Na Seong-bum and the one without him carry different weights. If he plays full-time this year, home runs and RBIs will naturally increase. Expectations are high for him to surpass 25 home runs and reach 30. Attention is on whether the captain's bat will heat up from the opening day.
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