"He will maintain his velocity even after turning 40."
There are signs that a second No Kyung-eun will be born at KIA Tigers. Kim Geon-guk (37), a journeyman right-handed pitcher marking his 20th year since joining this year, has emerged as a new bullpen force. Manager Lee Beom-ho praised him, saying he would have good velocity even after turning 40, like No Kyung-eun from the SSG Landers. This is undoubtedly great news for the KIA bullpen.
He joined the Doosan Bears in 2006 and tasted the bitterness of being released. After showing promise with the Goyang Wonders, the newly formed NC Dinos recruited him, and he was selected by KT Wiz in the second draft. He was traded to Lotte Giants but faced the sorrow of being released again. After a year of being a free agent, he has been wearing the KIA Tigers uniform since the 2023 season.
He did not make much of an impression. He usually stepped in when the starter struggled. Even when he came in, he generally took on multi-inning roles as a relief pitcher. However, this year, his velocity has noticeably improved. He was throwing fastballs in the upper 140 km/h range. He utilized challenging breaking balls such as curves, forks, and cutters, increasing his pitch value.
On the 1st, he took the mound as a substitute starter in a game against the SSG Landers, holding them to 2 runs through 5 innings with 1 out. He threw a fastball reaching 149 km/h. He displayed the ability to absorb innings without getting hit hard. Although he could not pitch through 5 innings, he held the mound solidly and ultimately became the foundation for a 3-2 comeback victory. He has recorded a 6.23 earned run average over 21⅔ innings in 13 games, but he is establishing himself as a valuable resource in the bullpen.
Manager Lee Beom-ho also expressed satisfaction. "He is a friend who can pitch 2-3 innings anytime. He is just like No Kyung-eun. He didn't pitch much when he was younger, so his arm is strong. He reached 149 km/h. That is high speed among domestic pitchers. Since he did not pitch much during his prime, he is healthy. His speed is improving, and he is also developing his pitches. It seems that, like No Kyung-eun, he will show his velocity even after turning 40," he praised.
Although this year marks his 20th anniversary since joining, he has only been active for the 8th season. In 2019, he pitched in 37 games for Lotte, his most significant output with 66⅔ innings. He has only surpassed 30 innings in a season four times. His total innings stand at 204. This is why Manager Lee Beom-ho's assessment that he can pitch until he's 40 is not incorrect.
He is a year senior to Yang Hyun-jong and is humble and hardworking. No Kyung-eun pitched in 77 games and 83⅔ innings at the age of 40 in the 2024 season, becoming the hold king with 38 holds, signing an FA contract. Although he has yet to match No Kyung-eun's achievements significantly, he has demonstrated enough potential to pitch until he's 40.
The manager showed his intention to use him heavily moving forward. "He will share duties with Seong Yeong-tak in the bullpen. He will come in when we are down by 1-2 runs or ahead by 4-5 runs. It would be better if the two of them could work together. Starters do not consistently pitch 5 innings. If a starter pitches 4 innings with 80 pitches, Geon-guk can pitch 2 innings, and if the offense catches up, we will use the winning squad," he said. Kim Geon-guk has also begun to blossom late.
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