Oh Sun-jin (36), Kim Dong-yup (35) and Kang Jin-seong (32) received the most attention from fans and reporters at the first spring camp of the Kiwoom Heroes (Arizona State) on April 23. After being released from the team where they played in the 2024 season, the three players signed a contract with Kiwoom one after another and got a chance to get back on the ground.
Kim Dong-yeop, a right-handed slugger who has posted 92 home runs in total, can add weight to Kiwoom's lineup, which lacks slugging capability. Kang, who contributed to the NC Dinos' combined victory in the 2020 season, can play both first baseman and outfielder. Oh Sun-jin, a 17-year veteran of the pro league, is expected to contribute to strengthening the infielders' depth.
After overcoming the disappointment, the three players are earnestly starting their spring camp. Kim Dong-yeop, who said he underwent intensive training throughout the winter, said, "I think (I) have no talent if I fail to rebound in raising children. I will play baseball more desperately."먹튀검증
In the 2017 and 2018 seasons when he was a member of the SK Wyverns (current SSG Landers), Kim hit 22 home runs and 27 home runs, respectively. He also hit 20 home runs in the 2020 season after joining the Samsung Lions through trade. However, he has suffered injuries and sluggish performances for four consecutive seasons since then.
Kim Dong-yeop, who took the transfer to Kiwoom as his last opportunity in his baseball career, said, "I was always hurt and had a mental breakdown. I thought it would work well, but I couldn't hit it yet," adding, "I still have power. I have no problem with my physical condition. I will show my slugging capability again when I feel good."
Kang Jin-sung participated in Kiwoom's closing camp held in November last year and tried to adapt to his new team. He was strongly impressed by the training in a free and flexible atmosphere, saying, "Kium is a team that grows motivation because players are given opportunities to play."
Kang has more transfer experience compared to his previous years. In December 2021, when he transferred to NC after qualifying as a free agent for Park Kun-woo, he wore the Doosan Bears uniform as a reward player and the SSG uniform in May 2023 in a trade. In October last year, he was released for the first time since his professional debut.
Kang's failure made his team stronger. He pledged to make another leap forward, aiming at a performance that is comparable to that of the starting lineup in the 2025 season. "I am even more desperate as I have a chance again. I want to play in more than 100 games in the 2025 season. My goal is to have 100 hits and 15 home runs." Kang's career high is 12 in the 2020 season. Song Seong-moon hit 19 home runs as the best fielder in the Kiwoom in the 2024 season.
Oh Sun-jin, who considered retirement after being released by Lotte Giants last season, contacted Kiwoom in person to appeal to him. He wanted to end his career without regret.
Oh Sun-jin said, "I think I can still display my strength in defense. I want to be a player who contributes when I need to manage the physical strength of my key players." He added, "I don't have much time left to play baseball. I will prepare for the upcoming season with the thought that it is the last time."