KT Wiz pitcher So Hyung-jun, known for his pinpoint control, delivered a concerning outing on April 4 at KT Wiz Park in Suwon against the Samsung Lions. He recorded 6 innings with 6 earned runs, including 2 home runs, while issuing 1 walk and 9 hits for a total of 10 baserunners. Despite throwing 94 pitches and touching 144 km/h, his command faltered in the starting rotation’s lowest whiff rate scenario.
Shift from Control Specialist
In his seventh professional season, So Hyung-jun has never allowed 10 or more home runs in any single campaign as a starter. Career stats show 147 1/3 innings with just 6 home runs surrendered. However, recent games highlight vulnerabilities: on March 29 against the LG Twins, he managed only 3 innings on 83 pitches, yielding 3 earned runs.
This latest performance marks a stark departure, with 2 home runs at home in one game—a rarity for the former Rookie of the Year. In 2020, he posted a 13-6 record and 3.86 ERA. Even during his second-year adjustment in 2021 (7-7, 4.16 ERA), he rebounded strongly.
WBC Impact and National Team Hopes
World Baseball Classic appearances have yielded mixed results for So Hyung-jun. In 2023, he pitched 3 1/3 innings over 2 games with a 5.40 ERA. Overall in WBC action across events, including 5 2/3 innings in 3 games at 6.35 ERA, concerns linger. Currently, across 2 starts, he has logged 9 innings with 9 earned runs for a 9.00 ERA.
Prior to KT Wiz, So excelled with the LG Twins in 26 games (24 starts), achieving 10 wins, 7 losses, 1 save, and a 3.30 ERA over 24 selections. Traded to KT, he aims to reclaim ace status and earn another WBC nod. National team selectors prioritize consistent KBO performance, making adjustments crucial.
Analysts point to potential velocity dips and mechanical tweaks needed post-WBC. In a Dominican Republic matchup, he contributed to a 0-7 loss, allowing a 3-run homer to Ostein Wells in the 7th. A strong rebound could solidify his role; otherwise, it signals deeper issues for KT’s rotation.
