Is it a sign of hitting double-digit home runs?

KIA Tigers catcher Han Joon-soo (26) is showing something extraordinary with his bat. He hit home runs in both games of the opening series. Those were major home runs. The assessment that he is an attacking catcher with strong batting ability has proven to be correct. With his second year of full-time play underway, expectations are high for his power hitting, including long hits.

The opening game against the NC Dinos on the 22nd started with him on the bench. Since it was the opening game, starter Kim Tae-kyun donned the mask. Genius batter Kim Do-young was also injured, which affected the flow of the game. Trailing 1-2, he came in as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the 7th with two outs and a runner on second. It was his first at-bat of the season. He faced a full count but was held to a ground ball to second base.

However, a big hit came in the bottom of the 8th. With a come-from-behind score of 6-2, he pulled a 145 km/h fastball from NC relief pitcher Kim Jae-yeol and sent it over the right wall. It was a game-ending first home run of the season that traveled 110 meters. The team won 9-2. He himself did not expect to hit a home run right from the opening game.

Han Joon-soo noted, "I didn't go in thinking about a home run. I'm relaxed to have it come out so soon. As I get on base, the chances of hitting more should increase. I came in to pinch hit in a crucial situation during my first at-bat, but my timing was too late. I thought about making sure not to be late in the next at-bat. That timing turned out to be right, and I hit a home run."

He struggled during the exhibition games, recording 3 hits in 17 at-bats (1 home run) with a batting average of .178. In spring training games, he played as a catcher but made mistakes in defense, even receiving criticism from manager Lee Beom-ho. It had been a frustrating and stagnant time. However, he broke through in the opening game with a significant hit.

"Honestly, I was worried. After getting a good result in the first game and winning, it became easier to manage. In the exhibition games, I had to engage in a battle of wits with the pitchers, but I was stuck fighting with myself. Now that I hit a home run, I will focus on battling the pitchers rather than myself," he expressed strong confidence.

The momentum continued into the second game of the opening series on the 23rd. That day he started as the primary catcher, and again came through in his last at-bat with another home run. Trailing 3-5, he launched a 146 km/h fastball from NC closer Ryu Jin-wook over the center field fence, traveling 125 meters. He showcased his power hitting without reservation in the first two games of the season and already displayed the potential for double-digit home runs. He said, "When I step up to the plate, I don't think about home runs. If I focus on my own game, home runs will come."

While offense is important, the most critical aspect here is the catcher's defense. To become a reliable starting catcher, he must show stability without losing focus on receiving, throwing, and pitch combinations. He stated, "There were some missed receptions. I'm putting in a lot of effort to reduce those mistakes compared to last year. I'm working hard to improve my throwing. I will prepare well to avoid casual plays."

At the end of June during the 2023 season, he was called up to the first team from the developmental roster and secured his position as the second catcher. The 2024 season will mark his first full-time participation in the first team. He recorded a batting average of .370 with 7 home runs and 41 RBIs, achieving an OPS of .807. Although he failed to meet the minimum at-bats requirement, he contributed to the championship with a batting average over .300 and an OPS exceeding .800. Thanks to substantial championship bonuses, his salary skyrocketed to 140 million won. Han Joon-soo expressed, "It was truly an unforgettable year. I will definitely aim to recreate it this year."

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