He became the highest paid person in his 4th year of debut. The 200 million won barrier has also been crossed. The way out is light.
This is the story of Jung Hae-young (22) of the KIA Tigers. The KIA team left for the 2023 spring camp to be held in Tucson, USA via Incheon International Airport on the 30th.
He is the youngest man running toward 100 saves in the KBO League. He was selected as a closer in 2021 and ranked third in the rescue category for two consecutive years. He has 67 career saves, including 66 saves over two years and one in his debut season.
If he maintains this pace, he will reach 100 saves this season. He can engrave his name on the milestone of becoming the youngest player in the KBO League to record 100 saves, instead of the great senior Lim Chang-yong (23 years, 10 months, 10 days).
There was no swelling. Last year, he stagnated somewhat with 3 wins, 7 losses, 32 saves, and an earned run average of 3.38. It should be a season to dispel the anxiety that has grown compared to 2021 (2.20 ERA).
The club’s expectations remain high. Jung Hae-young’s annual salary for the 2023 season is 230 million won, up 35.3% from 170 million won. It is the highest annual salary within the team among those eligible for contract renewal, excluding free agents and foreign players. 스포츠토토
Jung Hae-young’s ‘feeling of breaking 200 million won’ was clear when we met at the airport prior to departure. He said, “I was so happy as soon as I heard it. It feels really good, and the sense of responsibility that goes with it grows. My parents (Director Jeong Hoi-yeol of Dongwon University) also liked it.”
“That’s what they expect from me. I want to do well without getting sick for a long time. I’m still young. I’m in the stage of learning while watching other teams’ closers. I’m not greedy.”
Regarding preparations for the new season, Jeong Hae-young said, “The goal is to make a clear decision ball. The goal is to throw the slider and forkball more perfectly.” As much as the confidence in the fastball exceeding 150 km per hour is high, the inside intention is that the help of the breaking ball is needed to save the fastball.
Last year, KIA’s fall baseball ended in just one game. He reaffirmed his will, saying, “Of course, it was regrettable, but it’s important that I had the experience. I’ll start from a higher place this year. I want to aim for at least 3rd place or higher.”
Although he did not make it to the World Baseball Classic (WBC) list, the possibility of boarding the Hangzhou Asian Games, which has an age limit, is high. Jung Hae-young said, “I was lacking. Aren’t seniors better than me selected? I just work harder.” “, he said with confidence.
There is also a desire to challenge the youngest 100 saves. Jung Hae-young presented ’35 saves’ as his goal for this year. A career high and a great record, you can catch two rabbits at once.
“Last year, when the team was having a hard time (due to injury), I am always regretful. This year, I want to help the team as much as possible. My goal is to lead the team to the highest possible level.”