Unexpected Comeback: Jo Sang-woo’s Resurgence Powers KIA Tigers
“Rather than it being about motivation, I just think I have to do well myself.”
These words might seem simple, but they reflect a profound acceptance of reality. Jo Sang-woo, a relief pitcher for the KIA Tigers, signed a two-year deal worth 1.5 billion won in free agency this past January. The contract negotiations extended right up until the team’s departure for spring training, leaving Jo in a precarious position. Facing the threat of becoming an ‘FA nomad’ and excluded from the training camp roster, Jo ultimately inked a deal with KIA, securing his immediate future.
Addressing Past Weaknesses
The primary reason other teams were hesitant to sign Jo Sang-woo was his perceived lack of dominance. Despite appearing in 72 games last year and pitching 60 innings, recording 28 holds to lead the team, he struggled to shut down opposing hitters effectively. This led to a feeling of constant struggle rather than decisive victories.
A team official recalled the previous season, stating, “Last year, we had to rely repeatedly on only three pitchers – Jeon Sang-hyun, Jung Hae-young, and Seong Young-tak. (Jo) Sang-woo wasn’t in good form. Even when we were losing by a single run, we were using Sang-hyun and Hae-young. Eventually, in the summer, they ran out of steam, and we lost many games because of it.”
A Contract Designed for Redemption
KIA’s contract with Jo Sang-woo included specific clauses. He could only return to the mound if certain conditions were met. Successfully fulfilling these conditions would open the door for negotiations with KIA and other teams. Failure to do so would relegate him to the pool of players eligible for annual contract renewals. Determined to prove himself, Jo agreed to these terms and remained with KIA.
The team’s pitching coach, Lee Dong-geol, elaborated on Jo’s past struggles and future prospects. “Jo Sang-woo pitched exceptionally well in April last year, but he seemed to lose some of his edge after the summer. I believe the changes in the ball were the primary factor. Although he had injuries with Kiwoom, he is a pitcher with extensive experience as a closer. A closer’s role is to be prepared to enter the game in a saving situation. Pitching in the 7th or 8th inning as a reliever requires quick preparation, and last year, we had many close games, meaning he often had to start preparing from the 4th or 5th inning. This led to him struggling to overcome hitters when he was fatigued.”
The coach continued, “Now, I think he has mastered the preparation method. While going through a difficult period, he has also shown changes in his pitching patterns, utilizing his repertoire in various ways. When he wasn’t performing well, he used to try to overpower hitters with fastballs over 150 km/h, like in the past. However, he has now altered his repertoire, incorporating different types of breaking balls and changing the movement of his forkball.” The coach expressed optimism for Jo’s comeback this year.
A Strong Start to the Season
Jo Sang-woo is currently living up to expectations. In 30 appearances, he boasts a record of 4 wins and 1 loss, with 8 holds, a 2.69 ERA over 26 2/3 innings pitched. With KIA’s starting rotation facing instability, Jo has frequently been called upon to bridge the gap from the 5th to 6th innings. Alongside Hwang Dong-ha, he shares the team’s second-highest win total.
Yang Hyeon-jong (3 wins) and James Naile (2 wins) follow Jo Sang-woo in the team’s win ledger. Jo also leads the team in relief innings pitched, demonstrating his significant contributions this season. He has become one of the manager’s most reliable options, alongside Seong Young-tak and Jung Hae-young.
So far, the arrangement has proven to be a win-win for both KIA and Jo Sang-woo. The question remains: can Jo maintain this current pace throughout the season and into next year? As the two-year contract nears its end, anticipation for his re-evaluation is growing.
