Signs of a Samsung Breakout: 'This Is Why You Spend Money'... Choi Won-tae Shines as Ace Starter in Fall Baseball!

[Financial News] Wearing the blue uniform of the Samsung Lions, Choi Won-tae has been reborn as 'Mr. October.'
He has endured labels such as 'weak in the postseason' and harsh criticism calling him a 'bust.' Now, as Samsung’s trusted ace, he is igniting the passion of fans.
On the 19th at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark, facing a do-or-die Game 2 of the Playoffs, Choi Won-tae silenced the Hanwha lineup with a stellar performance: seven innings, one run allowed. Although he started shakily by giving up a solo home run to Luis Liberato in the first inning, that was all he yielded. From then on, he handled the Hanwha batters with ease, allowing just four hits, two walks, and striking out four. The stats may seem ordinary, but the substance was different. He induced ground balls in key moments and disrupted hitters’ timing with his slider and changeup—a true display of a control pitcher’s craft.

The result was clear. The team won 7-3, and Choi Won-tae became a two-game postseason winner, following his six scoreless innings in Game 1 of the Semi-playoffs.
Thirteen innings, one run allowed, an ERA of 0.69. The criticism that he is 'weak in the postseason' has now completely disappeared.
In truth, Choi Won-tae’s first year as a free agent was not easy. His regular season record was 8-7 with a 4.92 ERA. Among fans, there were harsh reviews that he had not improved since his days with the LG Twins. Even during LG’s championship run in 2023, he struggled throughout the postseason. His career postseason ERA was 11.16, with no wins in 18 games. That’s why many fans were anxious when he joined Samsung.

But now, he has completely changed. When autumn arrived, he transformed from a 'weak link' into a 'tough guy.' In Game 1 of the Semi-playoffs against SSG, he defied predictions that Samsung had little chance of winning, delivering a flawless performance to secure a victory. Against Hanwha, he outdueled Ryan Weiss in a battle of momentum. Choi Won-tae has now emerged as the key force enabling Samsung to play winning baseball in the Playoffs.
After the game, Choi Won-tae was named MVP.
In an interview, he stated, 'I deserved the criticism because I performed poorly in the postseason until now. But the dugout atmosphere was great, and I enjoyed pitching, which led to good results.' His words reflected a newfound confidence as a pitcher who can now enjoy fall baseball.
This season, Samsung has endured a grueling schedule through the Wild Card Game, the Semi-playoffs, and now the Playoffs. At the center of it all is Choi Won-tae’s resurgence. Overcoming the trauma from his LG Twins days, his return as a postseason powerhouse is the driving force behind Samsung’s charge toward the Korean Series.

Now, no one questions the hefty investment made in him. The large sum has already proven its worth and more. Choi Won-tae has truly become 'Mr. October,' the ace starter for Samsung.
And this story is far from over. He is still young, and his right arm is as strong as ever.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter