KIA, Major 3-for-3 Trade with NC... Sending Choi Won-jun, Lee Woo-sung, Hong Jong-pyo and Acquiring Right-Handed Relievers and Young Infielders [Official Announcement]

[Financial News]  KIA Tigers have executed a sudden 6-for-3 trade with NC Dinos to strengthen their roster.
KIA traded outfielders Choi Won-jun (28), Lee Woo-sung (31), and infielder Hong Jong-pyo (25) to acquire right-handed pitchers Kim Si-hoon (26), Han Jae-seung (24), and rookie infielder Jeong Hyun-chang (19) from NC.
This trade was made with the aim of immediately strengthening the right-handed bullpen and securing future infield resources.
Sim Jae-hak, KIA's general manager, explained, "Kim Si-hoon is a pitcher with powerful pitches and experience in the winning team, while Han Jae-seung also possesses a fastball and stable control as a bullpen resource," adding, "Jeong Hyun-chang is a promising player with balanced talent in hitting and defense, expected to significantly contribute to the team's future strength."

Kim Si-hoon, a graduate of Masan High School, is a traditional right-handed pitcher who was selected in the first round by NC in 2018. Since his debut in the first team in 2022, he has pitched 259.1 innings in 174 games, recording 11 wins, 12 losses, 29 holds, and 3 saves with an ERA of 4.34. This season, he has appeared in 15 games with an ERA of 8.44, showing some struggles but is highly regarded for his potential.

Han Jae-seung graduated from Incheon High School and was drafted by NC in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft (36th overall) as a right-handed bullpen resource. He has pitched 83.2 innings in 92 first-team games, recording an ERA of 3.66, and this season, he has continued stable pitching with 18 innings in 18 games, recording an ERA of 3.00.




Jeong Hyun-chang, a rookie infielder who joined NC this year, has been recognized for his potential in the Futures League, recording a batting average of 0.321 (43 hits), 1 home run, 6 stolen bases, 19 RBIs, and 29 runs in 49 games. He has appeared in 4 first-team games, handling 6 at-bats.

Through this trade, KIA has added two immediately available resources to its unstable bullpen and strengthened the depth of its infield from a long-term perspective. For KIA, which is in urgent need of overcoming its recent slump, this trade is seen as a plan to create a turning point for a rebound in the second half.

Meanwhile, Choi Won-jun, who took off the KIA uniform, is an outfielder who has consistently performed in the top lineup, recording a batting average of 0.280 over 822 games in 9 seasons. Lee Woo-sung is a corner outfielder with power, having hit 30 home runs in his career, and Hong Jong-pyo has been utilized as an infield backup resource.

This trade, the largest player exchange during the season, is attracting attention to see if it will impact the remaining season's dynamics for both teams.


jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter