In a dominant display during spring training, Samsung Lions leadoff hitter Lee Jae-hyun unleashed a monster 120-meter home run, showcasing a revamped powerful swing that has caught the eye of national team coaches.
Explosive Home Run in LG Exhibition
On March 21 in Daegu, Lee Jae-hyun crushed a 147 km/h fastball from LG Twins pitcher Lee Doo-chan. The pitch, aimed at his body, rocketed 120 meters into the stands for a game-changing blast.
“That ball would have been a foul with my old swing,” Lee Jae-hyun said. “I’ve adjusted my coordination, enhancing my vision in the batter’s box and maximizing the time until the bat meets the ball.”
Consistent Power Surge
The very next day, March 22, at Samsung Lions Park against LG, Lee went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, boosting his spring average to .407. His OPS stands at an impressive 1.245, with a .750 slugging percentage.
Earlier on March 12 in Daejeon versus Hanwha Eagles, Lee smashed a solo home run in the third inning, further solidifying his hot streak.
Leadoff Role and Team Impact
As Samsung’s everyday leadoff hitter, Lee Jae-hyun thrives under pressure. “The leadoff spot means entering first when the game starts—there’s no real difference,” he told coaches. “I don’t aim to see extra pitches. Instead, I focus on accurately hammering good ones and nailing the timing.”
National Team Buzz
National team coaches have taken notice of his transformed approach. Praise rolled in after observing his powerful swings even in batting practice. “Seeing the national team players’ activity motivated me,” Lee said. “If selected, I’d love it.”
With his technical improvements and consistent production, Lee Jae-hyun positions himself as a prime candidate for the national squad ahead of the 2026 WBC, emerging as Samsung’s power leader this season.
