"Caught again."

Fans of the Hanwha Eagles presumably blamed LG's center fielder Park Hae-min several times during the three-game series against Hanwha held at Jamsil Stadium from 27th to 29th.

They likely shook their heads in frustration and sighed at his fantastic defense that caught well-hit balls from Hanwha batters like a demon. On the other hand, they might have imagined what it would be like if Park Hae-min were wearing a Hanwha uniform.

One notable deficiency in Hanwha's strength is their defensive capability, both in the infield and outfield. In particular, strengthening the center line has been a recurring issue pointed out year after year. Hanwha signed free agent infielder Shim Woo-jun in November of last year for a total of 5 billion won (guaranteed 4.2 billion won, incentives 800 million won).

Shim Woo-jun has the advantages of solid defense as a shortstop and elite baserunning skills, having won the stolen base title in 2020 with 35 steals. However, until last year, his career batting average was only .254, with a career OPS of .639. After returning from military service last year, he played 53 games with KT and recorded a batting average of .266 and an OPS of .680. When Hanwha acquired Shim Woo-jun for 5 billion won, there was considerable opinion that it was an overpay, as the club spent more than the market value to strengthen their defense.

Hanwha mentioned at the time of the signing, "With the addition of Shim Woo-jun, we secured a stable shortstop resource with quick feet and operational ability, thereby enhancing our infield depth." Hanwha Director General Son Hyuk noted, "Shim Woo-jun has the ability to be a key component in strengthening the center line for next season with consistency and stable defense, being capable of playing over 100 games in a season. Given the introduction of the pitch clock, he will provide various benefits to the team by applying pressure on opposing pitchers when reaching base."

Hanwha has improved its infield depth with third baseman Roh Si-hwan, shortstop Shim Woo-jun, first baseman Chae Eun-seong, second baseman Ahn Chi-hong, and Hwang Young-mook, Lee Do-yoon, and Ha Ju-suk. However, there have been no players solidifying spots in the outfield for several years. A foreign player is filling one spot, but they have not been able to secure two positions with guaranteed starters.

This year, foreign player Florial has been playing center field for 54 games and 461 innings. In right field, Lee Jin-young (264 innings), Lim Jong-chan (86⅓ innings), and Lee Won-seok (74⅓ innings) took turns. Currently, Lee Jin-young is the starter. In left field, Kim Tae-yean (169⅓ innings), Moon Hyun-bin (147 innings), Choi In-ho (60⅓ innings), Lee Jin-young (52 innings), and Lee Won-seok (47⅓ innings) rotated.

Park Hae-min will regain his free agent status after the season as his four-year contract worth 6.5 billion won with LG will expire. If Park Hae-min played center field for Hanwha, the foreign player could move to corner outfield, and synergy could be achieved through internal competition for the remaining spot. With Hanwha's strong pitching, if they stabilized their infield defense through acquiring a 5 billion won shortstop, now reinforcing the outfield will be a priority.

On the 29th against Hanwha, Park Hae-min showcased a super catch by tracking down a potential double in the right-center gap off Florial's bat in the third inning with two outs and a runner on first base. It was a spectacular defensive play that prevented a run.

LG starting pitcher Son Ju-yeong said after the game, "I was surprised. I thought it was going to be a hit, but I couldn't believe my eyes when he caught it. I was really surprised. It energized me even more." He added, "I thought it was either going to go over or be a triple. If it got by, it would have definitely been a triple, so I expressed my gratitude to Hae-min for that catch."

This is not the first time. In the game against Hanwha on the 27th, Park Hae-min shocked Hanwha fans with his elusive defense, catching Lee Jin-young's potential double in the second inning with one out, Choi Jae-hun's line drive in the third inning, and Florial's potential double in the eighth inning, all at the warning track in front of center field.

LG manager Youm Kyoung-youb said, "Hae-min has made many catches that go unnoticed due to his exceptional defense. He makes a catch in about one game out of two. For the pitchers, having Hae-min around makes a huge difference. They like having Hae-min standing in center field."

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