Kiwoom Heroes Lee Jung-hoo (25) prepares for the season with a new batting form ahead of advancing to the major leagues.
Lee Jung-hoo had his best season last year, recording a batting average of 3.4 9 Lee (193 hits in 553 at-bats), 23 homers, 113 RBIs, and an OPS of .996 in 142 games. He won the league MVP along with the batting champion for two consecutive years and 5 batting crowns (batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, RBI, most hits), establishing himself as the best hitter in the KBO League.
Lee Jung-hoo, who announced his intention to advance to the major leagues through a post after the end of this season, left for the United States earlier than usual ahead of an important season. He entered technical training early and after individual training, he will participate in Kiwoom Spring Camp in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
With the introduction of Kim Ha-seong 안전놀이터 (San Diego) and receiving help from coach Choi Won-jae, Lee Jung-hoo recently released a video of him practicing with a new batting form on Instagram. It is a striking form that is more concise than before and moves the weight forward while making an exciting swing. In particular, it is impressive to move the center of gravity completely forward while moving forward to the axis of the left foot like Bryce Harper (Philadelphia).
The major leagues are also watching Lee Jung-hoo with great interest. MLB.com, the official major league media outlet, even published an article about Lee Jung-hoo. In the KBO League, it is evaluated that it will be easy to adapt to the fastball of the major leagues thanks to the outstanding contact ability and pioneering plan, which are evaluated as the best.
The only downside is the power. He showed potential last year by surpassing 20 home runs for the first time since his debut, but only 59 home runs over his six career seasons. He also has only two seasons with double-digit home runs. Given that most Asian hitters entering the major leagues often show impressive power, at least in their home leagues, Lee’s lack of power could be the biggest obstacle to Lee’s reputation in the major leagues.
However, Lee Jung-hoo revealed his goal of making use of his strengths rather than trying to hit a home run. In an interview last December, “I am not a home run hitter. I don’t think home runs are the part that appeals on the big stage. So he tries to show a more accurate hit than a home run. This year, I didn’t hit it because I wanted to hit it, but because I tried to hit it accurately and strongly, the home run came out. So I try to hit more accurately and harder. I want to create a season that appeals to my strengths.”
Fans are already looking forward to what Lee Jung-hoo will show this season, who is not content with his current success and has taken on new challenges.