Train to KIA in a surprise → Call-up in 26 days...I'm impressed with the defense. Trade is amazing. It could be Lee's job
Aug 24, 2025
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Chung Hyeon-chang (19, KIA Tigers) wore the KIA Tigers uniform in a trade on the 28th of last month.
KIA sent outfielder Choi Won-joon and Lee Woo-sung infielder Hong Jong-pyo and received pitcher Kim Si-hoon and Han Jae-seung infielder Chung Hyeon-chang from NC.
Chung Hyun-chang is a rookie who joined NC in the seventh round of the 2025 Rookie Draft (67th overall).
Although the order of designation was late, he stood out among rookies early, hitting a batting average of 46 percent by April.
He was called up to the first team for the first time on May 18, and he gained experience by playing in four games in eight days. Although he did not get his first hit, he provided an opportunity to take a step forward by starting.
NC gave Chung Hyeon-chang 52 jersey numbers when he called up to the first team. He wanted to be the same player as Kim Jae-ho, who played for Doosan under the nickname of `Genius Shortstop.'
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Chung Hyeon-chang is also more confident in defense than hitting. I'm having a lot of fun with my defense training" he said.
Chung Hyeon-chang is already a promising player in the league. He was selected as a Futures All-Star and was named in the Asian Baseball Championship team to be held in Puchen Province, China from September 22.
NC was a player who was working hard to raise, but he was sent to the trade with a regret to get a player of 'immediate power'.
Immediately after signing, KIA explained to Chung Hyeon-chang, `It will greatly contribute to strengthening the team's competitiveness in the future as it has compliance contact and good defense capabilities.'
Kim Si-hoon and Han Jae-seung, who came to KIA together after the transfer, were both registered in the first team. However, Chung Hyun-chang has a little more time in the Futures League.
He started to increase his batting sense once again, hitting a batting average of 333 (5 hits in 15 at-bats) in the last five games in the Futures League, and was registered in the first team 26 days after the trade was announced.
On the 23rd, he played as a pinch runner in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Gwangju LG Twins. KIA is in a fierce ranking battle, so it is unlikely that Chung Hyun-chang will have a chance to reach him right away. However, the experience accumulating little by little with the first-team call-up can serve as the foundation for growing into a 'next-generation main infielder'. If Chung Hyeon-chang becomes a first-team player, KIA will be able to remember this trade in a good mood.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
