“I’m behind (my draft classmates), so I’ll catch up quickly.”
Lee Ju-hyung (22), a “top prospect” who will wear the Kiwoom Heroes uniform, expressed his determination in his new team.
Kiwoom made the trade with the LG Twins on the morning of the 29th. The team sent pitcher Choi Won-tae (26) to LG in exchange for infielder Lee Joo-hyung (22), pitcher Kim Dong-gyu (19), and a first-round pick in the 2024 KBO League Rookie Draft. Lee Joo-hyung left LG for Kiwoom as part of the deal.
Wearing a Hero Corps uniform, Lee experienced his first trade since leaving LG. “I was sleeping in the morning when I got the call (that I was traded). I thought it was a dream when I got the call in my sleep,” he recalls.
Lee joined LG with the 13th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 KBO League Rookie Draft. He joined active duty in the middle of the following year to complete his military service and joined the team this season.
Lee was drafted in the top round because of his outstanding hitting ability, and he has shown promise in the Futures League. In 31 Futures League games this year, Lee batted .323 (30-for-93) with three home runs, 18 RBIs, and a 1.000 OPS. He also has the advantage of getting out of military service early.
Kiwoom has a reputation for developing young prospects with a lot of potential. It is a “land of opportunity” for young players. Lee Joo-hyung is likely to get a lot of opportunities under this team philosophy.
“My batting and (quick) feet are my strengths,” Lee said, “and no matter how many opportunities I get, it’s up to me to seize them. I will make the most of the opportunities and gradually improve my play and position.”
Many of Lee’s draft classmates are playing in the first team. They include Kim Ji-chan (Samsung Lions), Kim Yun-sik (LG Twins), Oh Won-seok (SSG Landers), Jung Hae-young (KIA Tigers), Choi Soo-joon (KT Wiz), and Choi Jun-yong (Lotte Giants). During his military service, Lee was inspired by his peers who made it to the first team.먹튀검증
“There are a lot of players who are mainstays in the first team. When I was in the army, I envied them a lot. Seeing them in the first team after I left the army brought back a lot of memories. I will catch up with them as soon as possible,” he said.
Finally, Lee said, “I received a lot of love and support compared to what I showed at LG. I’m very sorry that I couldn’t reciprocate that,” he said, adding, “I hope that Kiwoom fans will change their perception of me as a player who works hard and does well. I will do twice as well at Kiwoom as I did at LG,” he said.