Overwhelming interest → Even in the fifth year of his debut, the label of a prospect that he couldn't take off...Kim Jinwook's Challenge and Reflection

Apr 01, 2025

Overwhelming interest → Even in the fifth year of his debut, the label of a prospect that he couldn't take off...Kim Jinwook's Challenge and Reflection
Kim Jin-wook for the interview. Reporter Kim Young-rok



Overwhelming interest → Even in the fifth year of his debut, the label of a prospect that he couldn't take off...Kim Jinwook's Challenge and Reflection
KBO League SSG and Lotte at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 26th. Lotte starter Kim Jin-wook is coming down the mound after pitching in the sixth inning. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.03.26/
Overwhelming interest → Even in the fifth year of his debut, the label of a prospect that he couldn't take off...Kim Jinwook's Challenge and Reflection
KBO League SSG and Lotte at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 26th. Lotte starter Kim Jin-wook allowed runs in the first and second innings in a row. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.03.26/
"Now it's been 5 years since our debut. We have to show you better content, good results."

I came back with a new weapon changeup. He pitched well in his first appearance, but lost the game.

It's past the time to be happy and happy. Lotte Giants' Kim Jin-wook (23) is well aware of the role and responsibility of being a fourth starter.




Kim Jin-wook pitched hard in an away game against SSG Landers on the 26th of last month with two runs in six innings. He gave up four hits and four walks, including a home run allowed to SSG Jihoon Choi, but he threw well because he didn't shake much.

He wasn't the one who collapsed when a home run hit him like before. He has become a starting pitcher who looks confident with his wide back.

Kim Jin-wook said "The result wasn't bad. The strike rate was high, and the change-up went in well. The team lost, but I personally think they got off to a good start to the season"But "It's been five years since I debuted, and I want to show you a better game."," he stressed.




As for the home run hit by the Jihoon Choi, it was a ball, but he hit it over. So I couldn't help it. I just wanted it to be a foul because it's a ball that goes over the moment I get hit...," he said with a smile.

Overwhelming interest → Even in the fifth year of his debut, the label of a prospect that he couldn't take off...Kim Jinwook's Challenge and Reflection
KBO League SSG and Lotte at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 26th. Lotte starter Kim Jin-wook allowed runs in the first and second innings in a row. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.03.26/
The effect of the new weapon-equipped change-up was incredible. Kim Jin-wook pitched in 19 games (18 starts), the most since his debut last year, and played 84 ⅔ innings with a 5.31 ERA. It's all career high.

In particular, Charlie Barnes showed the side of the 'left-wing lion'. The hit rate against left-handed hitters was only .223 and the on-base plus slugging rate was 0.637.




On the other hand, his weaknesses against right-handed hitters were also evident. The hit rate exceeded 30% (303 Ri) and the OPS reached 0.967. In extreme terms, the average of right-handed hitters facing Kim Jin-wook last year was higher than LG Twins Austin (0.957 OPS last year).

Change-up is the new weapon you have learned to overcome this. In the last game of last season, I visited Ryu Hyun-jin of the Hanwha Eagles and learned firsthand. In addition, foreign pitchers such as Barnes and Davison and coaches such as pitching coach Joo Hyung-kwang have added help to refine a new 'Kim Jin-wook-pyo' changeup. The good pitching against SSG was largely due to the power of this change-up.

I don't have enough confidence to use it as a winning shot yet. Kim Jin-wook said "I want to write it for a quick count now. Bo-geun signed 2B2S and 3B2S, but I refused"I smiled awkwardly.

Overwhelming interest → Even in the fifth year of his debut, the label of a prospect that he couldn't take off...Kim Jinwook's Challenge and Reflection
KBO League SSG and Lotte at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 26th. Lotte starter Kim Jin-wook pitches in the sixth inning. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2025.03.26/
"Still, I'm going to discuss it with the catcher seniors and use it more actively. I have confidence that I can throw it into the zone, so it's up to me to use it in the future."

However, he also expressed a slight dissatisfaction with the official ball, saying, `There is a noticeable difference between balls.' The difference in the thickness of the thread or the texture of the ball is sometimes felt. He also expressed regret over the difference between the 2nd and 1st teams. He prefers a hard, thin ball. There's definitely a difference, but I don't think I'm a player enough to blame it.'

"You have to reduce the number of walks again. The number of balls increases, but the team's atmosphere is also depressed. I want to be a better pitcher. I want to throw better."



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.