KIA Tigers Byun Woo-hyuk (23) is dreaming of a new home run hitter for KIA.
In a spring camp interview held on the 6th (Korean time) at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, the United States, Byun Woo-hyuk said, “It is the first time I came to the United States for spring camp. The weather was a bit cold in the morning and evening, but recently the weather has improved and it is warm during the day, so it seems perfect for exercising,” he said, expressing his feelings about participating in the Arizona spring camp.
Byun Woo-hyuk, who joined Hanwha as the first pick in the 2019 rookie draft, recorded a batting average of 2.26 (12 hits in 53 at-bats), 1 home run, 2 RBIs, and an OPS of .630 in 29 games in the first year of joining. Afterwards, he returned from military service at Sangmu and raised expectations last season, but struggled with injuries and other issues, and only recorded a batting average of .262 (16 hits in 61 at-bats), 3 homers, 8 RBIs, and an OPS of .721 in 21 games. After he finished the season, he was traded to KIA. 토토사이트
Byun Woo-hyuk, who came to the new team, said, “I had time to prepare my mind because I moved the team as soon as the season was over. He got some free time by taking a break during the off-season. There is definitely a different part from Hanwha. He has a good vibe, but also feels a bit serious. That’s why I think I’m rather better,” he said, conveying the atmosphere of KIA.
Byun Woo-hyeok, who is undergoing a lot of training at the spring camp, said, “This is the first time I have been able to do so much training during the spring camp as a pro. In fact, he was a bit sick last year and I was worried. However, after working out for about 4 days, my condition is so good that I am satisfied that if I can endure this much training, I will be better during the season,” he said, looking forward to the upcoming season.
What KIA expects from Byun Woo-hyuk is a hot long hitting power. Manager Kim Jong-guk said, “Since he is a player with good batting talent, we are looking forward to his long hitting power. He hoped that Byun Woo-hyuk’s batting talent would bloom, saying, “I hope he can make better use of what he is good at first rather than defense.”
Byun Woo-hyuk said, “In his first year, he spent the season as a rookie and went to the army for two years. His last year was his fourth year and his second season in the first team. He felt that there were definitely improvements, and there were things to improve on. Coach Lee Beom-ho tells me very well, and I think it suits me well. He is doing well during practice, so I am looking forward to hitting.”
Byun Woo-hyeok, who said, “I had a tendency to just bring the bat to the ball that was moving away from my body,” said Byun Woo-hyeok, “Coach Beom-ho Lee taught me how to move my arm in that area, so I think now I can push the ball far away with power.” He explained the process of overcoming his weaknesses.
Regarding his goal for this season, Byun Woo-hyuk said, “I want to increase the number of games. He played two seasons in the first team, making only 20 appearances in all. He had a chance to go further last year, but he was not in good shape. This year, I want to change that perception. He prepared well over the winter and wants to play a lot this year. First of all, you have to go through one season full-time to see, learn, and feel things.” He continued, “If the number of games increases, I think 10 home runs and 20 home runs are also possible. Even in 21 games last year, the long-running pace was not bad. I think this year will be better,” he added.
Byun Woo-hyuk, who left the team without being able to fully develop his talent at Hanwha, said, “Hanwha fans have been expecting a lot for four years, but I couldn’t reciprocate. I’m so sorry. He was confident that he would do well after serving in the army, but due to an injury, he could not play many games. I’m sorry about that part. Even so, I was really grateful that you supported me a lot when I left.” And to KIA fans, “I came to KIA, and there are things that fans expect from me. I may not be able to do well every time, but I will become a player who meets the expectations of the fans when needed.”