Kim Hwi-jip (22) moved to NC Dinos and started as a shortstop twice and third baseman once in the first three games.
In the next two games, he stayed on the bench, but was replaced by shortstop and third baseman during the game.
This is exactly as NC envisioned when recruiting Kim Hwi-jip.
On the 30th of last month, NC gave Kiwoom Heroes the first and third round picks of the 2025 rookie draft and brought in Kim Hwi-jip.
The purpose was to reduce the physical strength consumption of existing infielders and at the same time provide positive stimulation to starting shortstop Kim Joo-won.
It appears that Kim Hwi-jip will be used as a backup to handle the dirty work rather than as a regular starter, that is, as a kindling for the entire team.
Kim Hwi-jip, who was in the Kiwoom starting lineup last season, may feel somewhat disappointed.
However, Kim Hwi-jip, whom we met at Changwon NC Park in Gyeongsangnam-do on the 4th, exclaimed, “It is rather good.”
Kim Hwi-jip said, “It is important for an infielder to be able to play multiple positions. If I play any position, gain experience and hone my skills, it will be better for me in the future.”
He said he feels responsible for recruiting him as NC became the first in the KBO League to use two draft picks.
He expressed his aspirations, saying, “Because I didn’t come here for free, I have a greater sense of responsibility. Since I’m still young, I will do my best to take control of both the present and the future.”
It sounds like he will stick to his current role and contribute to the team while also achieving personal growth in the process.
Kim Hwi-jip, who has slugging power, set his goal as an ‘OPS type hitter’ in batting.
Even if the apparent batting average is somewhat low, the goal is to become a hitter with a high on-base percentage and slugging percentage (OPS) by seeing the ball well and hitting long balls.
Kim Hwi-jip recorded a batting average of 0.249, 8 home runs, an on-base percentage of 0.338, and a slugging percentage of 0.374 in 110 games last season.
Kim Hwi-jip said, “I’m not fast on my feet, so I need to produce more long balls and see the ball well,” and added, “I need to develop into an OPS heater rather than an image of a threat.”
Kim Hwi-jip could not immediately forget his Kiwoom colleagues with whom he had been through hardships for about four years.
He said he had a dream on the first night after transferring, and recalled, “A lot of Kiwoom brothers came out, and everyone from coach Hong Won-ki to the staff came out.” 섯다