KIA Tigers ‘Super Rookie’ Yoon Young-chul (19) expressed his determination.
Yoon Young-cheol is digesting the 1st spring camp for his team in Tucson, Arizona, USA. He is a top-notch prospect who was nominated second overall in the rookie draft held in September last year. He is the only 2023 KIA rookie to be named to the U.S. roster.
KIA was evaluated for having used the first nomination right well in the last three years (2020-2022). Jung Hae-young, who recruited the first nomination in 2020, was reborn as a team closer, and Lee Eui-ri, the first in 2021, became the rookie of the year. Last year, Kim Do-young, the first round, proved his potential to become a starting player. Expectations for Yoon Young-cheol are bound to be high.
Along with Shim Jun-seok (Pittsburgh Pirates) Kim Seo-hyun (Hanwha Eagles) and Shin Young-woo (NC Dinos), Yun Young-cheol was called one of the “big four pitchers” of high school baseball last year. The other three pitchers are right-handers who throw fastballs. Yoon Young-cheol is a left-hander, and his game management ability, control, and deception (hiding the ball when throwing) are evaluated as excellent. 슬롯사이트
Kim Jin-wook (Lotte Giants), who was the overall first pick in the 2nd rookie draft in 2021, is also a’skilled’ type. He struggled with an average ERA of 6 points (6.36) for two consecutive years (season 2021-2022). Choi Ji-min, a left-handed pitcher in the 2022 KIA 1st round, is also the type to deal with batters with control and number fights rather than restraint, but his presence in the first team was minimal.
For that reason, in the 2023 draft, pitchers who can throw fastballs in the 150 km/h range received more attention. However, KIA’s choice was Yoon Young-chul. KIA coach Kim Jong-guk also raised Yun Young-chul as a candidate for the vacant 5th starting pitcher. He is being recognized for his potential.
During the period of inactivity, Yoon Young-cheol often realized that he would join KIA, a popular team in the ‘National District’. He said, “I haven’t even debuted yet, but I think many people recognize my face in Gwangju. I was really surprised. I want to live up to the support and expectations I received from fans.”
Yoon Yeong-cheol, who worked with the first-team key players during finishing training at the home stadium (Gwangju-Kia Champions Field) last November, said, “I will learn more in the spring camp where I throw the ball.” When asked about the improvement points, he raised his voice, saying, “First of all, I have to check how well my ball works on the professional stage. I don’t try to find out what I lack.”
Rookies generally commented on his goal in his debut season as “to keep playing in the first team”. Yoon Young-cheol said, “If he can throw a lot in any position, he will help the team,” but he said, “Honestly, I want to be a starting pitcher.” He didn’t hide his goals.
A competitive structure was created between Kim Seo-hyun, who was already nominated as the first overall, and Yoon Young-chul, who was second. In fact, the two players are strong candidates for Rookie of the Year. Yoon Young-cheol also expressed his confidence, saying, “(Kim) Seo-hyun is confident that he will win.” A bold newcomer has joined KIA.