'10 Billion' Kang Baek-ho and MVP Perlaza Join Forces... Hanwha Reshuffles the Deck with Determination: 'All-Out Offense Next Year'

[Financial News] This is a clear change in direction. Perhaps it’s due to the loss of Ponce and Weiss. Setting aside regrets, Hanwha has filled the void with overwhelming firepower.
After swallowing the disappointment of finishing as runners-up in last season’s Korean Series, the Hanwha Eagles are sharpening their swords for the 2026 season. Their focus is now on power rather than precision. Hanwha’s chosen path is clear: even if it means sacrificing some pitching or defense, they are fully committed to reviving their 'Dynamite Lineup' capable of demolishing opposing pitchers.


Hanwha’s moves this offseason have been nothing short of dramatic. Many of the core pitchers who anchored the 2025 mound have departed. Though unplanned, both Cody Ponce (17 wins) and Ryan Weiss (16 wins)—the league’s top one-two punch with a combined 33 wins—are now expected to leave. This has become the main reason for Hanwha’s major roster overhaul.
On top of that, Han Seung-hyuk, a key bullpen arm, transferred to KT Wiz as a free agent compensation player. Last season, Han Seung-hyuk appeared in 71 games, posted a 2.25 ERA, and was a reliable reliever. Veteran infielder An Chi-hong also left for the Kiwoom Heroes in the second draft. With these departures, there is a palpable sense of crisis as holes have opened up in both the pitching staff and infield depth.
However, Hanwha decided to change its mindset. For every bit of defense lost, they sharpened their offense even more. At the center of this transformation are 'the 10 billion man' Kang Baek-ho and the 'returning wild horse' Yonathan Perlaza.

Hanwha made a splash in the free agent market by signing Kang Baek-ho to a four-year deal worth KRW 10 billion (including KRW 2 billion in incentives), solidifying their lineup. At just 26 years old, Kang is entering his prime. In a market where KRW 5 billion is the standard, Hanwha managed to sign him at a relatively reasonable price by including challenging incentives.
Additionally, Yonathan Perlaza, who parted ways with the team last season, has returned. Hanwha reunited with him for $1 million. In the 2025 season, Perlaza played for Triple-A under the San Diego Padres, batting .307 with 19 home runs and a .901 OPS, earning league MVP honors. His hitting has become even more refined and powerful, according to evaluations.
With this, Hanwha has built a breathtaking lineup featuring Moon Hyun-bin, Perlaza, Kang Baek-ho, Roh Si-hwan, and Chae Eun-seong. There is no easy spot in the batting order. This could be called the 21st-century version of the legendary 'Dynamite Lineup' from the Binggrae era.


Of course, there are concerns. As the saying goes, baseball is ultimately a pitcher’s game, so the loss of the proven 33-win duo and Han Seung-hyuk from the bullpen is a clear risk. The center field spot left vacant by Luis Liberato’s departure is also an issue. Hanwha must also find a new closer to replace Han Seung-hyuk. The old adage that 'bats can’t always be trusted' is another challenge Hanwha must overcome.
Nevertheless, Hanwha has declared its intention to break through the limits of 'defensive baseball' with an all-out offensive approach. If they give up five runs, they aim to score seven; if they allow seven, they’ll try to score ten. This relentless attacking style is set to define the Hanwha Eagles’ identity in the 2026 season.
General Manager Son Hyuk and the Hanwha front office have made their decision. Rather than pursuing a shaky balance, they have gone all-in on their strengths. With their extreme 'all-out offense,' many fans are both excited and anxious to see what the Hanwha Eagles will look like in 2026.


jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter