Professional baseball KIA Tigers' new foreign hitter Patrick Wisdom (34) is quickly erasing the shadow of his predecessor, Socrates Brito (33).

KIA has decided not to re-sign outfielder Socrates, who was one of the key players in last year's unified championship. They placed him on the restricted list, but after successfully acquiring the powerful Wisdom, who has hit a total of 88 home runs in Major League Baseball, for the maximum salary of $1 million for new foreign players, they lifted the restrictions on Socrates. Although Socrates wasn't an A-list foreign hitter, making the bold change was not an easy choice.

This decision was possible because of Wisdom. Having hit 28, 25, and 23 home runs in three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023 with the Chicago Cubs, Wisdom's power is expected to enhance the KIA lineup's offensive firepower. However, his career batting average of .290 (274 hits in 1,311 at-bats) raises concerns about his accuracy, and his age in his mid-30s amid a sharp decline last year is also a worrying factor.

In seven exhibition games, Wisdom recorded a batting average of .222 (4 hits in 18 at-bats) with 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts, along with an on-base percentage of .333, slugging percentage of .444, and OPS of .777. He started the two-game series against NC in Gwangju on the 22nd and 23rd with no hits in 5 at-bats. However, on the 25th in Gwangju against Kiwoom, he registered his first home run in the 4th inning with a two-run shot, and on the 28th, he became the owner of the first home run at the new stadium with a seventh-inning solo home run against Hanwha.

Wisdom's power continued on the 29th against Hanwha. He launched a 153 km/h fastball from Hanwha's starter Ryan Weiss, which was elevated body-high on the second pitch of the first inning, over the left-field fence. The home run traveled 120 meters, making it his third of the season. With two consecutive home runs, his power instinct ignited.

As of that day, in the first seven games, Wisdom's performance included a batting average of .250 (4 hits in 20 at-bats), 2 home runs, 6 RBIs, 9 walks, and 5 strikeouts, with an on-base percentage of .467, slugging percentage of .750, and OPS of 1.217. While his batting average is low, he has drawn the most walks in the league, resulting in an on-base percentage over .200 higher than his batting average. Even during his Major League career, Wisdom's on-base percentage (.291) was about 8 points higher than his batting average (.209). He possesses strong plate discipline matched with significant power.

In 6 of the 7 opening games, he has managed to draw walks, showcasing his 'eye baseball.' In the game against Hanwha on the 28th, he faced Lee Tae-yang in the 9th inning with a disadvantageous count of 1B-2S, enduring the 5th and 6th pitches of cutter and forkball before earning a walk after the 7th pitch. In the game against Hanwha on the 29th, he recorded 2 walks, including one in the 4th inning when he selected a low, outside sweeper from Ryan Weiss that barely missed the strike zone.

Typically, power hitters require more time to adapt to a new league compared to contact hitters, but Wisdom, who possesses the advantage of plate discipline, can significantly shorten that time. KIA manager Lee Beom-ho has also placed Wisdom not only in the 4th and 5th slots but has advanced him to the 2nd slot to utilize his strengths.

KIA manager Lee Beom-ho noted, "It seems that Wisdom is gradually adapting. He has an excellent ability from his time in Major League Baseball, and as he continues to play, I believe he will showcase his career here in Korea," regarding the batting order, he mentioned, "I am considering making slight adjustments based on daily conditions. He could go in front or in the middle of the order," leaving open several possibilities.

KIA has been on high alert since the opening week as MVP third baseman Kim Do-young and Golden Glove shortstop Park Chan-ho sustained injuries in succession. Coupled with bullpen struggles, KIA has started poorly with a record of 2 wins and 5 losses and is tied for 8th place during a recent four-game losing streak. However, Wisdom is increasing expectations by accelerating his adaptation to the league. Manager Lee Beom-ho stated, "If Wisdom fully adapts by the time the injured players return, that's when the abilities of our team will be fully revealed."

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