Kang Jin-sung, who joined the Kiwoom Heroes shortly after he was released from SSG Landers after the 2024 season, is training as a third baseman at the spring camp in Arizona.메이저사이트

He, who played primarily as a first baseman for the NC Dinos in the past, is expected to play as a third baseman in Kiwoom this season, which aims to maximize his offense.

Kiwoom manager Hong Won-ki, who met at the Arizona Athletic Ground in Mesa, Arizona, Kiwoom's spring camp training site, said on the 13th (Korea time), "Since our team has to make a lineup centered on offense, we decided to give Kang Jin-sung priority to third base for now."

Kiwoom has almost completed its main lineup plan, including Kang Jin-sung.

The vacancy created by Kim Hye-sung (Los Angeles Dodgers) entering the Major League Baseball (MLB) will be filled by Song Sung-moon.

Song Sung-moon, who played as the main third baseman until last season, will now move to second baseman.

Veteran players such as first baseman Choi Joo-hwan and shortstop Kim Tae-jin will play as main infielders.

The three outfield seats are already occupied. The left field will be taken by Ruben Cardinez, who was newly hired this season, center field will be Lee Ju-hyung, and right field will be taken by Yasiel Puig, who returned after three years.

Kiwoom brought three catchers to the first camp, including Kim Jae-hyun, Kim Gun-hee and Kim Dong-heon.

Kim Jae-hyun is the team's most experienced catcher and signed a long-term contract of up to 1 billion won for six years ahead of this season, while Kim Gun-hee is a powerful catcher who came to the first team in the middle of last season and hit nine home runs.

In addition, Kim Dong-heon was a key player in 2023, his first year as a member of the team, and participated in the Hangzhou Asian Games and won the gold medal.

Kim Dong-heon, who underwent elbow ligament reconstruction (Tommy John) surgery early last season, has now recovered to the second base with 100% power, but is expected to return more slowly to the first team.

"The catcher is about to start the season with Kim Jae-hyun and Kim Gun-hee," Kiwoom manager Hong Won-ki said. "Kim Jae-hyun is very experienced, and Kim Gun-hee has high expectations as he showed off his talent in batting," adding, "Kim Dong-heon is not in a hurry and intends to join the first team after he is fully prepared."

Kiwoom quickly caught the release players as free agents last winter and efficiently strengthened its power.

Kim Dong-yeop is expected to play as a backup outfielder and designated hitter, and Oh Sun-jin is expected to play as a backup infielder.

In addition, existing Lee Yong-kyu, Lee Hyung-jong (outfielder), and Lee Won-seok (outfielder) are also preparing for the season by sweating beads in this spring camp.