The batter currently dominating the Futures League is infielder Han Dong-hee of the Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps (Sangmu).

Han Dong-hee has monstrous stats with a .431 batting average (78 hits in 181 at-bats), 17 home runs, 60 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.280 (.507 on-base percentage + .773 slugging percentage). On the 4th against Lotte, he swung hard with 5 hits in 7 at-bats, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored. He ranks first in the Futures League in home runs, hits, RBIs, and slugging percentage. His batting average is second, and his on-base percentage is third, placing him in the 'Top 3' in all hitting categories in the league.

Han Dong-hee, a graduate of Gyeongnam High School, was drafted first overall in 2018 and was expected to be the successor to 'the fourth hitter of Joseon,' Lee Dae-ho. He was hoped to take responsibility for the Lotte infield as a power-hitting third baseman. Although he struggled after his debut, he exploded with 17 home runs in 2020, 17 home runs in 2021, and 14 home runs in 2022, showcasing his potential. There was no doubt that he would upward trend as expected and become a pillar for Lotte.

However, he faced challenges in the correction process during the 2023 season, which caused him to slow down, and ultimately decided to enlist in the military during the 2024 season. Due to various circumstances, he had to enlist in June during the season, and could not fully partake in Coach Kim Tae-hyoung's first season.

Han Dong-hee no longer has anything to prove at the Futures League level. However, while serving in the military, he is solidifying his new hitting mechanism and improving his game sense. In doing so, he is bombing the Futures League.

On the 4th, ahead of the Futures League game against the Lotte Giants at Sangdong-gu in Gimhae, Han Dong-hee said, "I am having a lot of fun in the second team. Being able to play baseball while serving in the military is a really good opportunity, so I am enjoying it every day."

Technically, he is already a player who has nothing more to touch. It is important to focus mentally, and Han Dong-hee is solidifying his mindset. He also gathers his thoughts by watching younger players serving in the military with him.

He said, "Manager Park Chi-wang told me to be greedy at every at-bat, so I am doing that. I need to take care of my own game without worry," creating an environment where he can play his own version of baseball without considering the opinions and thoughts of others.

He continued, "There are many young friends in Sangmu, and watching their baseball makes me feel like I thought the same way when I was younger, so if I see something wrong, I tell the younger players, and I too think about it again." He added, "I shouldn't get too affected by ups and downs and should focus on fighting the opposing pitcher instead of battling with myself."

Although he decided to enlist in the military ahead of the 2024 season, Han Dong-hee also redefined his hitting skills at an academy run by Kang Jeong-ho in the United States alongside his idol, Lee Dae-ho, and team seniors. He is solidifying the theories and mechanisms he learned then while in Sangmu.

He emphasized, "It is not different from before. However, I am now practicing hitting with my weight on my right hand and back side rather than trying to hit with power on my left hand. I am integrating what I learned in the U.S. and making progress well."

Now, Han Dong-hee has about six months left until his discharge. He is scheduled to be discharged on Dec. 9. From the 2026 season, he should appear again in the first team of Lotte. He said with a smile, "I am not counting down to my discharge date. Time passes too quickly." However, he added, "That said, being in an environment where I can exercise helps a lot. Because I am exercising a lot, I feel like time passes even faster."

While observing teams at the top of the league in the first team, he remarked, "The atmosphere seems good, and it feels like a team that should not lose even when they're losing." He expressed hope to become the core of Lotte again after his discharge.

He stated, "What I am doing in Sangmu is to prepare better for after my discharge. Although I have about six months left, I will prepare more perfectly so that I can contribute to the team when I return." He also emphasized, "I am only preparing for the third base position," and added, "I will make sure I have no regrets when I come back here."

With grit, Han Dong-hee is bombing the Futures League. Will he surely become a key player in the Lotte lineup in 2026?

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