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The trials of Hanwha Eagles’ promising pitchers Kim Seo-hyun (22) and Jung Woo-ju (20) continue.
Both took the mound in separate games against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 3rd. However, the results were disappointing.
Kim Seo-hyun entered in the bottom of the fifth inning with his team leading 7-6, allowing leadoff hitter Heo Kyung-min to reach base with a ground ball to left field. Although he struck out Oh Yun-seok and seemed to catch his breath, he gave up a three-run double to center-left field by pinch-hitter Jang Jin-hyeok, tying the game before being pulled. Jo Dong-wook then entered and allowed a sacrifice fly to center field by Choi Won-jun, enabling Jang Jin-hyeok to score from third base with the go-ahead run. Hanwha lost 11-13, making Kim Seo-hyun the losing pitcher (⅓ inning, two earned runs). This marked his second consecutive loss following the August 30 game against NC Dinos.
Jung Woo-ju took the mound in the bottom of the eighth inning with his team trailing 8-10. He walked leadoff hitter Kim Sang-su, then committed a throwing error to first base on a bunt by pinch-hitter Yoo Jun-gyu, putting runners at first and second with no outs. Oh Yun-seok then hit an infield single toward third base, allowing one run. With one out and runners at second and third, Jung also committed a balk, leading to additional runs. He allowed a sacrifice fly to center field by Kwon Dong-jin, finishing the game with three earned runs (one unearned) in 1⅓ innings.
Both pitchers were selected in the first round of the rookie draft and share the common trait of possessing fastballs reaching speeds in the high 150 km/h range. Kim Seo-hyun was chosen as the overall first pick in 2023, while Jung Woo-ju was selected as the overall second pick in 2025, both donning Hanwha uniforms. Last year, Kim recorded 33 saves, and Jung posted a 3-0 record with three holds and a 2.85 ERA across 51 games in his rookie season, appearing to meet expectations.
However, this season has seen continued struggles. After adjusting in the Futures League, both were called up to the first division again on August 18. While their fastball velocity has decreased compared to before, they are now evaluated as having improved control. Nevertheless, they still display immaturity in game management, compounded by misplays from the team’s defense.
Since their return, Kim Seo-hyun has gone 2-7 with a 5.40 ERA over 6⅔ innings and six walks in seven games, while Jung Woo-ju is 1-8 with an 18.90 ERA over 6⅔ innings and seven walks in eight games.
Yet both are merely unfinished prospects, only 22 and 20 years old, respectively. A baseball executive stated, “They are still young pitchers. Excessive expectations and attention from those around them may become a burden.” He added, “It has not been long since they graduated from high school; how many players have truly demonstrated top-tier professional skills within just a few years? We should not rush and continue to watch closely.”
Poet Do Jong-hwan wrote in his poem “Flowers That Bloom While Shaking,” “Where is there a flower that blooms without shaking?” What those observing Kim Seo-hyun and Jung Woo-ju—both officials and fans—need now is the patience to wait for tomorrow.
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