It’s finally the opening of the first team...
The KIA Tigers' 2025 professional baseball opening game roster features players with compelling stories. Eighteen-year-old rookie outfielder Park Jae-hyun and infielder Yoon Do-hyun, who competed as rivals against Kim Do-young, have also made the list. Park Jae-hyun has made the opening roster as a position player rookie for the first time in three years after Kim Do-young in 2022. Yoon Do-hyun, who missed the opening for three years due to injuries, has finally succeeded in making the entry after four years.
There is someone who is as thrilled as the two players. It is outfielder Park Jung-woo (27), who is in his ninth year. He has proudly made the opening game roster. This is the first time since being selected in the second round of the 2017 draft that he has made the opening game roster. It’s a joy he enjoys after a remarkable nine years, and he cannot help but be moved.
Upon receiving the notification for the opening game roster, he started training for the opening on the 21st and received congratulations from those around him. His face showed a slightly flushed expression. He did not debut in the first team for four years after joining. Although he was fast on his feet, his skills did not measure up to be named in the first team as an outfielder. He patiently trained and served in the military while waiting for his moment.
Finally, in 2021, he made a name for himself by playing in 32 games. He was either a pinch runner or a defensive substitute. His strong arm and quick feet gradually started to shine. The 2022 season saw him playing in 16 games with 3 plate appearances, while the 2023 season had him in 21 games with 12 plate appearances. It was not easy to seize the opportunity, as Kim Ho-ryeong was solid as the backup outfielder. He also started the 2024 season in the second team.
However, an opportunity arose due to Kim Ho-ryeong's injuries and struggles. He played in 66 games, the most since his debut. He had 69 plate appearances. He even showcased his powerful arm by pitching on the mound. While still serving as a defensive substitute and pinch runner, he also demonstrated his hitting ability. He recorded a batting average of .380 with 11 RBIs and 17 runs, marking a career high. He contributed to the regular season championship and played as a defensive substitute and pinch runner in all five games of the Korean Series, scoring one run.
Having gone through the Korean Series, he was recognized as a solid backup outfielder and pinch runner. He also completed the spring camp in the United States and Japan. He remained in the first team throughout the exhibition games and successfully made his debut opening game roster. Despite competing against Kim Ho-ryeong to make the first opening game roster, the situation has become one where he cannot relax. Rookie Park Jae-hyun has emerged as a strong competitor, showcasing precise hitting, quick feet, and defensive skills. It seems the real battle is just beginning.
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