“There is still a lot missing.”

Samsung Lions Kim Seong-yoon (25) has become a completely different player in just one year. Kim Seong-yoon, who graduated from Pohang Jecheol High School and joined Samsung as the 39th overall pick in the 2nd 4th round of the 2017 draft, has emerged as a first-team starter in 6 years. In 101 games, he had 2 home runs, 28 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, 40 runs, a batting average of 0.314 (77-for-245), an on-base percentage of 0.354, a slugging percentage of 0.404, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.758. Based on these performances, he was selected to the Hangzhou Asian Games national baseball team and had the honor of winning a gold medal.

Kim Seong-yoon, who met at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 22nd, looked back on last season and said, "I have continued to participate as a defender or pinch runner. Even if it was a short period of time, I tried to show my concentration. As a result, I was given an opportunity when an injury occurred. After that, I was given a chance." "There were many days when I played in the game. I think my records have improved as I have definitely gained more experience. Having faced many pitchers has been a big help,

Kim Seong-yoon is a hitter with one-shot long-hitting power. Here, he actively utilizes his quick feet to show off base running that catches the opponent off guard. Kim Seong-yoon has the ability to turn a batted ball that could be a short hit into a long hit. Kim Seong-yoon said, "Compared to other players, the batted ball speed is not inferior. At the same time, there were many cases where the batted ball missed. In fact, there are times when I overdo it when running the bases, but if I see the situation and see even the slightest gap, I have to actively run. “I think it’s the right thing to do,” he said, expressing pride in his play.

Participating in international competitions was also a good experience for him. He said there was a lot he saw and learned while playing with the best players in the country. Kim Seong-yoon said, “Playing for the national team allowed me to look at myself more objectively. I watched how good players playing in the KBO league trained. I was also able to see with my own eyes what level of skills Japanese and Taiwanese players had.” “It was an opportunity for me to realize once again that I was lacking a lot,” he said.

At Samsung, Kim Seong-yoon became a starting player and earned his first Taegeuk mark in his life. Now he is stepping up to become the starting center fielder. Kim Seong-yoon, who boasts a stable and wide defensive range, played right field (39 games, 274⅔ innings), left fielder (33 games, 132⅓ innings), and center fielder (28 games, 141 innings) last year. He has continued to move around and defend, but this season is expected to be different. When Kim Seong-yoon is inserted into center field, Kim Hyun-jun moves to right field.

Kim Seong-yoon said, "My main strength is my strength. I can cover a wide defensive range. If my accuracy improves, throwing can also become my strength. Currently, I am continuing to prepare as a center fielder. It is not yet clear whether I will become a center fielder, but “If he shows good performance in spring camp and exhibition games, I think he will be able to play center field.”

This year, the KBO League faces big changes. The world's first Automatic Pitching System (ABS) will be introduced. Kim Seong-yoon, who had already experienced ABS in the Futures League, said, "I didn't feel a big difference in the left and right widths of the strike zone. However, there were often cases where low balls became strikes. This year, my goal is to increase my on-base percentage, and I need to quickly adapt to the strike zone." “I think I have to do it,” he said.

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