Hanwha Eagles’ high-stakes pitchers Kim Seo-hyun and Jung Woo-joo remain in minor league limbo
Hanwha Eagles prospects Kim Seo-hyun and Jung Woo-joo remain sidelined by control woes and injury as the club searches for bullpen help.
Kim Seo-hyun and Jung Woo-joo, the Hanwha Eagles' most expensive recent pitching prospects, are stuck in the minor leagues as both players grapple with form and fitness setbacks.
Kim, the 2023 first overall pick, has failed to solve persistent control problems despite a stint at a Japanese training facility last month. After returning from his time at Next Base Athletics Lab in Chiba, the 22-year-old allowed five walks in just 1⅔ innings across two Futures League games. Manager Kim Kyung-moon said on 11 August that Kim's pitching "wasn't very good" following his Japan trip, signalling no immediate plans for a major league recall.
Jung's situation differs slightly. The 20-year-old, drafted second overall last year, has stumbled badly in his second season after an impressive rookie campaign. He posted a 1-2 record with a 6.37 ERA across 36 games this year and was sidelined in early August with shoulder discomfort. He has not appeared in the Futures League while undergoing rehab.
Both players signed contracts worth 500 million won, reflecting the Eagles' high expectations. Yet with the club's bullpen posting a 6.56 ERA (eighth in the league) in the second half, manager Kim indicated the team has no immediate relief reinforcements ready. He said Jung would need "another one or two games" before a callup decision is made with the pitching coach.
