“I’ll catch up as fast as I fall behind”…a top prospect from the ‘land of opportunity’
“I will catch up as quickly as I fell behind (my draft classmates).”
Lee Joo-hyung (22), a “top prospect” who will be wearing the Kiwoom Heroes uniform, expressed his determination in his new team.
Kiwoom made the trade with the LG Twins on the morning of the 29th. The team sent pitcher Choi Won-tae (26) to LG in exchange for infielder Lee Joo-hyung (22), pitcher Kim Dong-gyu (19), and a first-round pick in the 2024 KBO League Rookie Draft. Lee Joo-hyung left LG for Kiwoom as part of the deal.
Wearing the Hero Corps jersey, Lee left his hometown LG to experience his first trade. “I was sleeping in the morning when I got the call (that I was traded). I thought it was a dream when I got the call in my sleep,” he recalled.
Lee Joo-hyung joins the team. ⓒKeum Heroes
Lee joined LG as the 13th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 KBO League Rookie Draft. He completed his military service in the middle of the following year by enlisting in active duty and joined the team this season.
Lee was drafted in the top round because of his excellent hitting ability, and he has shown promise in the Futures League. In 31 Futures League games this year, Lee batted .323 (30-for-93) with three home runs, 18 RBIs, and a 1.000 OPS. He also has the advantage of getting out of military service early.안전놀이터
Kiwoom has a reputation for developing young prospects with a lot of potential. It is a “land of opportunity” for young players. Lee Joo-hyung is likely to get plenty of opportunities under the team’s philosophy.
“My batting and (quick) feet are my strengths,” Lee said, “and no matter how many opportunities I get, it’s up to me to seize them. I will make the most of the opportunities and gradually improve my play and position.”
Lee Ju-hyung (No. 2) played with teammates such as Kim Ji-chan in the youth national baseball team. Reporter Byun Hye-mi
Many of Lee’s draft classmates are playing in the first team. They include Kim Ji-chan (Samsung Lions), Kim Yun-sik (LG Twins), Oh Won-seok (SSG Landers), Jung Hae-young (KIA Tigers), Choi Min-joon (KT Wiz), and Choi Jun-yong (Lotte Giants). During his military service, Lee was inspired by his peers who made it to the first team.
“There are a lot of players who are mainstays in the first team. When I was in the army, I envied them a lot. Seeing them in the first team after I left the army reminded me of the old days. I’ll catch up as soon as possible since I’m behind (my draft teammates),” he said encouragingly.
Finally, Lee said, “I received a lot of love and support compared to what I showed at LG. I’m very sorry that I couldn’t reciprocate that,” he said, adding, “I hope that Kiwoom fans will change their perception of me as a player who works hard and does well. I will do twice as well at Kiwoom as I did at LG,” he said.