The youngest 100 save’ that even Go Woo-seok couldn’t… KIA closer looks at KBO new history

• allforyouclick
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• on Jan 31, 2023

On the 30th, KIA Tigers Jung Hae-young boarded a plane to Arizona, the United States, where the 2023 spring camp was held via Incheon International Airport. Jung Hae-young, who has been walking the path of victory from the first season of his debut to last year, is aiming for the 2023 “career high” season.

Jung Hae-young started his professional life after receiving the first nomination from the KIA Tigers in the 2020 rookie draft, and made a splendid debut with an outstanding record of 5 wins, 4 losses, 11 holds, 1 save, and an ERA of 3.29 in 47 games (38⅓ innings). Jung Hae-young, who became the core of ‘Pil Seung-jo’ at the same time he joined, perfectly digested the heavy duty of ‘finishing’.

Jung Hae-young had a career-high season with 5 wins, 4 losses, 34 saves, and an ERA of 2.20 in 64 games (65⅓ innings) in 2021. Recorded. Compared to the 2021 season, last year showed anxiety, but the 2023 season salary rose vertically from 170 million won to 230 million won. This is the highest salary within the team excluding free agents and foreign players.안전놀이터

Jung Hae-young, who met with reporters at Incheon International Airport on the 30th, said, “I feel so good. I feel a sense of responsibility to match that. My parents and family really liked it. Because that’s what the team expects of me. It doesn’t hurt, and I think a lot that I should do well for a long time,” he smiled.

Jung Hae-young, who is currently recording 13 wins, 15 losses, 11 holds, 67 saves and an average ERA of 2.87 in 166 games in the KBO League, challenges the new history of ‘the youngest 100 saves’ this year. His record for the youngest 100 saves is held by Lim Chang-yong at the age of 23 years, 10 months and 10 days. Last year, Go Woo-seok tried this, but he failed to create a new record with a difference of just one day.

Jung Hae-young, who is only 21 years old, has only 33 saves to reach 100. As long as there are no big variables such as injuries, he is very likely to set a new record. Jung Hae-young said, “I keep thinking about becoming the youngest player to make 100 saves.”

Jung Hae-young had a great season as a closer for the second year in a row. However, if there was a single flaw last year, there were 7 losses, which was by no means small. Jung Hae-young plans to make a clear decision through the spring camp. He said, “I think it will be easier to fight batters if the pitch you throw now is more accurate and well-made.” I will do my best to throw it perfectly.”

Jung Hae-young had a great season, but unfortunately, he could not get on the team for the World Baseball Classic (WBC), which will be held in March. However, Jung Hae-young still has a chance to wear the Taegeuk mark of the Hangzhou Asian Games. Jung Hae-young said, “I was lacking a lot in the WBC. And the selected hyungs and seniors are people who are better than me. I thought I had to work harder.” If you don’t hit it, I think it will follow.”

What will be Jung Hae-young’s goals for this season in his 4th year as a pro? He said, “I want to surpass my save record and make 35 saves. If that happens, I think I can go to a higher place.” And I will look at a higher place.”

[KIA Jung Hae-young is leaving for Arizona, USA through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 30th to attend the spring camp. Photo = Reporter Jinhyung Yoo