“As expected.”
This year, from the beginning, it is a big league. Utility resource Bae Ji-hwan (24, Pittsburgh Pirates) was named one of the 26 players on the opening roster. Local media such as Major League Baseball (MLB).com reported on the 29th (hereinafter Korean time) that “Bae Ji-hwan will start the 2023 season with Pittsburgh.” This is the first time Bae Ji-hwan has been included on the opening roster. MLB.com said, “Bae Ji-hwan is a left-handed hitter who can play second baseman’s platoon and has experience as an outfielder. (Opening) Joining the roster was virtually expected.” 메이저놀이터
Bae Ji-hwan, a graduate of Gyeongbuk High School, signed a contract with Pittsburgh in 2018 and boarded a plane to the United States. He went through minor league single-A, double-A, and went up to triple-A last year. He played for the Pittsburgh affiliate Indianapolis Indians and recorded 108 games with a batting average of 0.289, 8 homers and 53 RBIs. He made his mark by being selected as the club’s self-selected Most Valuable Player (MVP). And in September of that year, he finally stood on the MLB stage. It was the moment when the 26th Korean major leaguer was born. In 10 games, he recorded a batting average of 0.333, 6 RBIs and 3 stolen bases.
Ahead of the new season, he sweated even more. He proudly attended the spring camp as a big leaguer, not an invited player, and showed his potential. He appeared in 19 games and compiled a batting average of .234 (11-for-47) with 2 walks and 4 stolen bases. His record itself was not good, but he seemed to be getting better as he played the game. In his last 5 games his batting average goes up to 0.286. He is basically a multi-player capable of both infield and outfield defense and is quick on his feet. It is predicted that he will be used in various situations, even if not until the start right away.
Last winter, Pittsburgh made a big change. ‘Pirate Ship’ Andrew McCutchen, who played as a key member in the past, returned. Choi Ji-man was also recruited through a trade. Choi Ji-man is highly likely to be included in the starting lineup for the opening game. He could see South Korea playing from the opening game with two major leaguers side by side on one team. Attention is focusing on how Bae Ji-hwan will start this season. Pittsburgh will play three consecutive games against Cincinnati on the 31st.