The KT Wiz bullpen is facing significant challenges this season, marked by a collective ERA of 6.52 since June, placing them last among all ten KBO teams. This stark reality contrasts sharply with the team’s aspirations and the presence of veteran leadership. While the league-leading Samsung Lions boast an ERA of 2.93, the Wiz find themselves struggling, even trailing teams like the SSG Landers (6.23) and the Kiwoom Heroes (5.55) in bullpen performance. This situation puts immense pressure on manager Lee Kang-chul and veteran closer Park Young-hyun to maintain a respectable third-place standing amidst a chaotic pennant race.
Underperforming Key Arms
Several key relief pitchers are experiencing a dip in performance. Han Seung-hyuk, a crucial part of the bullpen, has an ERA of 6.68, while Kim Si-moooto’s ERA stands at 5.62. Other significant contributors like Jeon Yong-ju (4.99) and Kim Min-soo (5.75) are also showing signs of inconsistency. Even Lee Sang-dong, with an ERA of 7.71, is struggling to find his footing. While Son Dong-hyun (3.90) and Woo Gyu-min (3.80) have been relatively stable, Woo, at 41 years old, is not logging extensive innings or seeing much action in high-leverage situations.
Manager Lee Kang-chul, known for his ability to develop effective relievers, has found his magic touch less potent this season. Rookie Park Ji-hoon, who was expected to be a significant contributor, has spent most of the season in the minor league system. The only consistent bright spot in the bullpen has been veteran Park Young-hyun, who, at 31 years old, is holding down the fort with an ERA of 2.75. It’s telling that Park is tied for second on the team in saves with six, alongside Go Young-pyo and Sauer, highlighting the team’s reliance on him. The team’s primary closer, Bo-shil-lee, is currently sidelined with an injury. The gradual stabilization of the starting rotation offers a small measure of relief.
A Veteran’s Perspective: Ju Kwon’s Resurgence
The struggles of the bullpen inevitably lead to questions about the team’s former ace reliever, Ju Kwon. Kwon was instrumental in KT’s first championship in 2021, recording 15 wins, 9 losses, and 90 holds with a 2.97 ERA over four seasons (2019-2022). His 27 holds in 2021 were critical to the team’s championship run. Despite facing injuries and setbacks after his peak performance, Kwon has made a comeback this season.
In 29 appearances and 33 innings pitched this year, Kwon has posted a 3.55 ERA. He’s primarily serving in a bridge role, pitching one to two innings after the starter, rather than his previous high-leverage closer duties. Manager Lee Kang-chul noted that Kwon could potentially start or be a spot starter in certain situations, though he hasn’t officially started a game this season.
Kwon himself expressed gratitude for the current situation. “The manager is using me in a more comfortable role compared to before,” he stated. “Thanks to that, I’m able to pitch comfortably. It’s a phase where I’m finding myself again by throwing the ball.” He added, “Nowadays, I’m throwing a lot of two-seam fastballs, and mixing in the forkball, which I practiced during spring camp, seems to be working well.”
Reflecting on his role, Kwon emphasized his desire to pitch frequently. “I like pitching in games often. Pitching multiple innings is fine too. While I don’t think our team has a lot of starting pitching depth, I’m confident I can go for 3-4 innings when needed.”
A Memorable Comeback
One of Kwon’s two wins this season came in a dramatic comeback victory on June 20th against the KIA Tigers. Trailing 4-9 in the bottom of the ninth inning, the team rallied for six runs to secure the win. Kwon entered the game after Bae Je-seong, Kim Si-moooto, and Kim Min-soo had pitched, and delivered 1.2 scoreless innings, laying the groundwork for the improbable reversal. “People say ‘baseball is from the ninth inning onwards,’ but experiencing it firsthand felt different,” Kwon remarked with a smile.
Lessons from a Veteran
Now in his early forties, Kwon is a seasoned veteran who joined KT as a priority pick in 2015, marking his 12th season with the team. He believes that a positive atmosphere is crucial for a team’s success. “Having been with KT for a long time, I’ve learned a lot from the older players,” he shared. “Ultimately, it’s important for the younger players to feel comfortable and to be able to follow the coaches’ instructions and play the way they want to play.”
KT’s closer, Kim Si-moooto, who received significant expectations this year, has yet to fully deliver the reliable performance anticipated. Manager Lee Kang-chul expressed concern, noting, “He has a good fastball, curveball, and forkball, and he’s confident when he throws, but he’s not doing it. When he pitches well, he’s as good as any ace…”
Kwon has actively mentored Kim Si-moooto, spending time together, including sharing coffee and watching games. “I’ve spent a lot of time with Kim Si-moooto, and I regret that his personality isn’t a bit bolder,” Kwon said. “He throws a 150 km/h fastball, but he gets flustered when batters hit it. I’ve told him many times to mix in one or two changes of pace gradually; it will make a difference. He’s been showing some improvement lately.”
Drawing from his own experiences, Kwon offered advice to younger players: “When I was young, I found it difficult to face the older players. It was a team with many veterans ahead of me. However, the most important thing for young players is to play without hesitation. For a professional player, their own performance is paramount. If I can’t throw well, I feel sorry, but thinking ‘we can’t lose this game’ is the mindset. When things get tough, my experience tells me that throwing with confidence is best for both oneself and the team.”
