ERA 7.78 → Change all pitching forms and back numbers and be proud of them...The opening entry for the fourth year in a row. If we get more performance

Mar 12, 2025

Choi Min-joon pitches in an exhibition game against the Hanwha Eagles on the 11th. Photo courtesy = SSG Landers

He changed everything and prepared for the season. First of all, it's a good start.

Choi Min-joon (26, SSG Landers) chose a lot of changes ahead of this season. First of all, I changed my uniform number from 67 to 30. This is the number I wore in 2022, when I spent the career high season. At that time, Choi Min-joon played in 51 games and recorded a 5-4 record with a 3.95 ERA with 5 holds.

He also changed his pitching form. "I modified the overall timing of pitching, including how to use the lower body.", he explained.

Last year, Choi Min-joon finished the season with one win, no loss, and a 7.78 ERA in 32 games. As this year marks its eighth year, it is time to show off a clear presence in the first team. Although he spent his spring camp with the Futures, he joined the first team after three exhibition games.

An exhibition game against the Hanwha Eagles on the 11th. Pitching showed the fruits of the past. In two ⅓ innings, he was impressed with two hits, one walk, and one strikeout.

Choi Min-joon, who took the mound with two outs and a runner on first base in the top of the fourth inning, gave up a walk to Kim Tae-yeon, the first batter, but caught Im Jong-chan with a fly ball to center field. In the top of the fifth inning, Hwang Young-mook hit a hit after catching two out-counts with an infield bump. However, Choi In-ho got a ground ball to shortstop and filled three out-counts without losing a point. He also got a hit in the top of the sixth inning, but he continued his scoreless streak with one strikeout. Choi Min-joon, who threw a total of 42 pitches, was replaced by Kim Hyun-jae in the top of the seventh inning and came down the mound.

Choi Min-joon pitches in an exhibition game against the Hanwha Eagles on the 11th. Photo courtesy = SSG Landers

After the game, Choi Min-joon said "It was a pity that I couldn't throw more strikes." I think I put in a little more strength because it's been a long time since I took the mound. As he threw the ball from the mound, the tension gradually eased. It was a pity that I couldn't throw the ball the way I thought, but it's a relief that I didn't give a score.'

The first real game with the changed pitching form. He modified the overall timing of pitching, including how to write the lower body. There is a timing I want, but I remember the ball was really good when it hit well. I haven't mastered it yet, but I think I'll be able to set the timing as I play the actual game" he said.

In the Futures Camp, preparing for the season became a stimulus. Choi Min-joon camped in the Second Army. I did my best to build my body. I thought I wanted to get to the first team quickly. When I worked harder and liked it, I found my form and made up my mind that I wanted to play baseball with joy"The coaches helped me a lot, and I trained hard, too. I wanted to go up to the first team and show them. "I was disappointed in my first appearance, but I believe it will get better in the future."

Now, the first step. The first goal is to join the opening entry. Choi Min-joon said, `The primary goal is to join the opening entry. I've always been listed in the opening entry for the last three years. I'm getting greedy again this year. I think I can achieve my goal if I get better performance during the exhibition game than I do now"I'm determined.