The Hanwha Eagles rookie catcher, Han Ji-yoon (19), exploded with back-to-back home runs in the Futures League. His home runs measured 130 meters and 125 meters, showcasing a strong presence.

On the 26th, Han Ji-yoon started as the designated hitter batting seventh during a home game against the Doosan Bears in the 2025 Mediheal KBO Futures League held at Seosan Stadium and led Hanwha to a dominant 7-1 victory with a total of 3 hits and 4 RBIs in 4 at-bats, including back-to-back home runs.

Starting from the first at-bat in the second inning, he pulled a curve from Doosan's right-handed starter Jo Je-young on the second pitch for a hit to left field, marking his first hit in the Futures League. He then hit a home run in his second at-bat in the fourth inning, not missing a curve that came high in a full count against Jo Je-young that lasted until the seventh pitch. The ball that Han Ji-yoon connected with soared deep over the left field fence, measuring a distance of 130 meters, showcasing a powerful hit with a perfect follow-through.

It didn’t stop there. In the fifth inning, he hit another home run in his third at-bat. With two outs and runners on first and second, he hit a fastball from left-hander Nam Ho on the second pitch, driving it over the center field wall in a line drive. The ball hit the pitch clock scoreboard above the center field fence before landing on the ground, marking a three-run home run, which also demonstrated impressive power with a distance of 125 meters.

Han Ji-yoon, a graduate of Gyeonggi High School, is a right-handed catcher with a height of 188 cm and weight of 98 kg. He was drafted 22nd overall in the third round by Hanwha during the 2025 KBO Rookie Draft held last September, making him the second highest-ranked catcher after Lee Yul-ye, who was drafted 8th overall in the first round by SSG.

Although Hanwha has other promising catchers in their 20s, like Park Sang-eon, Jang Kyu-hyun, and Heo In-seo, they did not overlook Han Ji-yoon. They recognized his catching ability and also noted his potential as a power hitter, which he demonstrated through his exceptionally high bat speed during high school. Hanwha drafted him with the possibility of changing his position in the future if there isn't a suitable place for him as a catcher.

He showcased his hitting talent during the first team spring camp held in Melbourne, Australia. On the 15th of last month, he appeared as a pinch hitter in the 9th inning with one out and a runner on first base against the Australian national team, contributing the game-winning hit with a one-RBI double that split the right center field.

Kim Tae-kyun, a legendary player with a permanently retired number from Hanwha and a commentator for KBSN Sports who broadcasted the game, also praised him, saying, “You can see Yang Eui-ji’s (Doosan) smooth swing. It's a swing that matches the timing without effort and adds power. He has high-level skills,” adding, “Regardless of the outcome, the swing balance itself is something to look forward to. There is balance that can create accuracy and long hits.”

After completing the first camp, Han Ji-yoon moved to the Futures team and began his debut season in the Futures League. Although his position is catcher, he has not yet worn a mask and has started as the designated hitter in 3 games, acknowledging his hitting talent. Including substitutions, he had a quiet start in the first four games with 0 hits and 2 strikeouts, but in the game against Doosan on that day, he hit his first hit and home run, even scoring back-to-back home runs, showcasing his potential as a power hitter.

After the game, in an interview with 'tvN Sports,' Han Ji-yoon said, “I have been struggling with my form recently, but before the game, pitcher (Park) Boo-seong told me I looked troubled. The performance analysis team also instructed me not to hit difficult pitches and just focus on my own, so I narrowed my zone and it resulted in good outcomes,” showing his ability to handle breaking balls. He added, “I tend to lift my legs according to the pitcher, but I need to establish my own. I see it as my homework.”

Han Ji-yoon continued, “I want to carry this feeling forward. If I take it one step at a time without being greedy, I believe home runs will come, and I will produce many good hits. I will show that I am a hitter capable of hitting many long balls.”

After winning the season opener, Hanwha has fallen into a three-game losing streak, with a team batting average in the .100s (.141), indicating serious struggles in their lineup. If the hitting slump continues, Han Ji-yoon's debut in the first team may come sooner than expected. Since he is not a developmental player but a formally registered player, he can be called up to the first team without waiting until May.

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