Finally, on the 31st (Korean time), the 2023 major league regular season begins.
From this season, new rules such as the pitch clock system, interleague expansion, and defensive shift restrictions are applied, and more dynamic play is expected. From the opening game to the main games of the regular season, all can be seen live on the sports OTT service SPOTV NOW.
According to the opening day power rankings announced on the official website of Major League Baseball, the Houston Astros, the champion of the previous year, took first place, the Atlanta Braves took second place, and the San Diego Padres belonged to Ha-seong Kim took third place. 스포츠토토
The protagonist of this Stove League is, of course, Ha-Sung Kim, the San Diego Padres. During the winter, they recruited Zander Bogatz, the biggest free agent player, and completed a strong batting lineup with Manny Machado, Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Due to the recruitment of Bogatz, Kim Ha-seong is expected to play mainly as a second baseman.
Last year, Kim Ha-seong was selected as one of the final three in the National League Gold Glove shortstop category, and solidified his position in the offense and defense by recording a double-digit home run in two seasons in the major leagues. Ha-seong Kim said, “Based on his experience last year, it served as an opportunity to make another new preparation.” Can Ha-seong Kim, who is in his 3rd year, make another career-high season?
Los Angeles Angels Shohei Ohtani, who won the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and became an icon in the major leagues, was dropped early as a starting pitcher for the opening game against the Oakland Athletics. Ohtani, a ‘two-hitter’, recorded an average ERA of 2.33 with 15 wins and 9 losses last season, and competed for the American League MVP with New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge. In addition, Ohtani became the first player since Babe Ruth to achieve double-digit home runs and double-digit multipliers.
Interest in Ohtani, who played a dramatic role in the WBC, is hot even before the season. The website above points out Ohtani as the American League MVP this season. He cited Ohtani’s slugging power and appearance as an ace pitcher over the past two seasons as an example. At the end of this season, Ohtani, who will be eligible for free agency, is paying a lot of attention to baseball fans at home and abroad for this year’s performance.
Meanwhile, Choi Ji-man, who joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in November of last year, is celebrating his first season after the transfer. Ahead of this season, Pittsburgh recruited veterans Andrew McCutchen and Carlos Santana, as well as Choi Ji-man. Choi Ji-man said of Pittsburgh in an interview before the season, “The team image is young. There are still many inexperienced players, so we will have to play the role of a leader.”
He also added a message saying, “I will definitely see you on the stage of the first team,” evaluating fellow teammate and junior Bae Ji-hwan as a “competent player.” As Choi Ji-man predicted, Bae Ji-hwan joined the major league opening roster for the first time since his debut. Bae Ji-hwan, who played full-time in the major league spring camp for the first time this year, was recognized for his quick feet and ability as a multi-defense resource.
In the 2023 major league regular season, each team will play 162 games. The ‘Korean Monster’ Ryu Hyun-jin (Toronto Blue Jays), who is about to return in July this year, as well as Ha-seong Kim, Ji-man Choi, and Bae Ji-hwan, as well as major players such as Ohtani and Judge, are all on the SPOTV ON channel and SPOTV It will be broadcast live on NOW.