Why did Hanwha pick a 41-year-old backup outfielder?

Kim Kang-min (41), who was discussing a retirement game with SSG Landers early next year, will wear a Hanwha Eagles uniform. Hanwha called up Kim in the fourth round of the Secondary Draft on Feb. 22. It was a surprise pick that no one saw coming.

The 41-year-old veteran outfielder, who is on the verge of retirement, will be able to continue his career. He will play for the team where his classmate Kim Tae-gyun retired.

Initially, the focus was on SSG infielder Choi Joo-hwan. Last year, Hanwha ranked last out of 10 teams in team batting average and runs scored. 먹튀검증 This is the team that needs to strengthen its offense the most next season.

To bolster the batting lineup, they brought in outside free agent (FA) Ahn Chi-hong. He signed a six-year contract totaling 7.2 billion won. They could have rebuilt a "dynamite batting lineup" if they added Choi Joo-hwan in the second round of the draft, but the Kiwoom Heroes took him one round earlier.

His role in Hanwha is as a backup outfielder to Kim Kang-min. They have a plethora of outfield resources, including new foreign hitter Jonathan Peraza, Chae Eun-seong, Lee Jin-young, Moon Hyun-bin, Choi In-ho, and Jang Jin-hyeok. There's also Im Jong-chan, who was discharged from the military.

In his prime, Kim Kang-min boasted a monster outfield defense. He's better than most younger players, even when he's past his prime. Class doesn't come easy.

"He's still competitive as a pinch-hitter and defensive resource," said Son Hyuk. Of course, we decided to sign him based on his utilization value.

The decision was made not only based on his performance, but also on his positive effects.

"Our young outfielders have a lot to learn from him. He will be a great help for our young outfielders to grow."

Kim graduated from Gyeongbuk High School and was selected in the second round of the 2001 rookie draft. 토토사이트 Over the past 23 years, he has played in 1,919 games with a career batting average of .274 (5364-for-1,470), 138 home runs and 674 RBIs. This year, he's 2-for-6 with 31 doubles, two home runs, and seven RBIs in 70 games.

Outfielder Oh Seon-jin (34) goes to the Lotte Giants, and Kim Kang-min joins him.