Incheon: As he approaches his 18th professional season, SSG Landers pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun is set to lead his team back to the postseason in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Kim, a seasoned player at 36, has been appointed the new captain of the team-an unusual role for a starting pitcher. He is also the highest-paid player in the KBO this season, with a salary of 3 billion won (US$2.1 million).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim's appointment as captain comes after a challenging 2024 season. Despite leading the team with 12 wins, he recorded a career-worst 4.93 ERA and allowed 24 home runs, surpassing his previous high of 19 in a single season. These struggles contributed to the Landers' league-worst starting pitching ERA of 5.26. The team narrowly missed the postseason after losing to the KT Wiz in a tiebreaker game, where Kim gave up a critical home run.
Kim acknowledged the need for stronger starting pitching and expressed his commitment to addressing this weakness. Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport, he emphasized the importance of solid starting pitching in baseball and expressed confidence in the team's readiness for the upcoming season. Despite a strong bullpen and reliable offense, Kim stressed the need for starting pitchers to improve.
The Landers' rotation faces challenges going into the season, with Mitch White, a new addition to the team, sidelined by a hamstring injury. Kim noted that this situation presents an opportunity for other pitchers vying for rotation spots to prove themselves. He expressed optimism about the rotation's potential strength and his willingness to support his teammates.
Entering the final year of his four-year contract, Kim is focused on team success rather than his contract status. He emphasized his role as captain in fostering teamwork and prioritizing the team's performance over individual achievements. Kim plans to address his contract situation after the season concludes, maintaining his commitment to leading the Landers to a successful season.