Discarded Card? Manager Kim Tae-hyung's Strong Faith, Son Ho-young Explodes

[Financial News] The silent bat has returned. Overcoming all adversities such as slumps, injuries, and competition, Son Ho-young successfully secured the third base position. At the center of Lotte Giants' resurgence is the 'lucky transfer student' Son Ho-young.
Lotte Giants achieved a 6-4 victory in the home game against NC Dinos in the 2025 KBO League held at Sajik Stadium on the 29th, extending their winning streak to six games. With this victory, Lotte narrowed the gap with the leading Hanwha to four games.
The star of the game was undoubtedly Son Ho-young. In the bottom of the 6th inning, with a one-run lead, Son Ho-young pulled a fastball clocking at 140km/h from NC starter Logan Allen over the left fence. It was his third home run of the season, a two-run arch that instantly changed the flow of the game. In the bottom of the 7th inning, he sealed the deal with a sacrifice fly for one RBI. Ultimately, Son Ho-young's three RBIs were the decisive blow of the game.



In the six games since his return, he has a batting average of 0.529 (9 hits in 17 at-bats), 3 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.264. These numbers make the over-a-month absence seem insignificant.
In fact, Lotte managed well during Son Ho-young's absence. Young infielders like Han Tae-yang and Park Chan-hyung alternated to fill the void left by Son Ho-young. However, as the team's batting lineup cooled rapidly in July, a turning point was needed. A player was needed to anchor the offense more than the defense.
Especially, a player with slugging power was needed more than defensive skills. Manager Kim Tae-hyung actively utilized Yoo Kang-nam to strengthen the offense, but the top lineup felt somewhat lacking. Reyes was also not a slugger. At that moment, Son Ho-young returned.
Manager Kim Tae-hyung did not hesitate. From the return game on the 24th, he used him as the starting third baseman. On the 25th against KIA, he had three hits, and from the 26th, he returned as the third batter. And on the 29th against NC, he had the most RBIs of the season. He has now returned not just as a comeback, but as the center of Lotte's lineup.




In 2024, Son Ho-young was the player who hit the most home runs (18) on the team. But 2025 was different. Like a sophomore jinx, he struggled at the start of the season, and in June, he suffered a right-hand injury. His batting average in April was 0.237, 0.250 in May, and only 0.253 in June. And Son Ho-young disappeared from the first team. There were talks that last season was just a flash in the pan.
However, he has returned and immediately stood at the center. The slugging power, clutch hitting, and presence on the bases he showed in the NC game proved why he should return as the third batter and starting third baseman.
Manager Kim Tae-hyung's choice was correct. With his return, Lotte has started its engines towards fall baseball once again. Currently, Lotte is only four games behind the leader. It is definitely not the time to give up on winning. Lotte's baseball truly begins now.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter