He has become a 19-year-old professional veteran. He will become a free agent for the second time in his career with the end of this season. The hero is Choi Joo-hwan, 36, who led the infielders of the Kiwoom Heroes this season.스포츠토토

After graduating from Hakgang Elementary School, Gwangju Dongseong Middle School, and Gwangju Dongseong High School, Choi joined the Doosan Bears as the 46th overall pick in the second round of the sixth round in 2006. Having increased his chances to play in games since the 2012 season, Choi jumped to the starting lineup by playing in 100 games in the 2015 season. Afterwards, he established himself as Doosan's main infielder until the 2020 season, and played a leading role in the dynasty.

Ahead of the 2021 season, Choi has become the first free agent in his career. Choi's team was the SK Wyverns (current predecessor of SSG Landers). At that time, he signed a four-year free agent contract worth 4.2 billion won (4.1 million U.S. dollars) and moved to the SK Wyverns. At that time, SK had deep affection for Choi, as evidenced by his stable second base defense capability, slugging capability and sophisticated contact ability. In addition, Choi's passion and hard work toward baseball led to his recruitment.

Choi Joo-hwan played for Incheon for three seasons that year when the team re-founded as SSG Landers. It was November 2023 that changed him again. Choi, who was excluded from the protected list at the time, moved to Kiwoom with one year left on his contract. It was Choi Joo-hwan, who left Incheon for Gocheok after a strategic choice due to the team's direction and salary cap. It was a surprise transfer.

And Choi showed off his strong physical stamina as a veteran by playing in 130 games this season. He led Kiwoom's young infielders as a veteran. His batting average fell to 0.182 at one point in May, but he raised the batting average tremendously afterwards, ending the 2024 season with a batting average of 0.257 (124 hits in 482 times at bat). His batting average for the second half of the year is 0.300. The final results for this year are 13 homers, 23 doubles, one triple, 84 RBIs and 49 runs, 92 strikeouts with 47 walks, 0.390 on-base plus slugging percentage, 0.325 on-base plus 0.715, and 0.308 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Above all, he shone in defense. With Kim holding onto the second base as a fixture, he displayed perfect performance as a first baseman. He pitched 1,027 ⅔ innings, ranking 10th overall in the KBO league and seventh in the infield section this season. Notably, he pitched the second most innings as a first baseman after Yang Seok-hwan of Doosan Bears, who played 1,118 innings. Despite this, Choi made only six errors.

Oh Jae-il at the same first base position as Doosan Bears in the past can be compared with Oh Jae-il. Oh, like Choi Joo-hwan, acquired his first free agent status before the 2021 season before heading to Samsung (total of 5 billion won for four years). Oh also played for Samsung for three seasons before moving to KT during this season. He played in 105 games this season and posted a batting average of 0.243, 11 homers, 45 RBIs, 33 runs scored, a slugging percentage of 0.422, an on-base percentage of 0.321 and an OPS of 0.743. It can be said that Choi performed better as he was given more opportunities to play. This is why all eyes are on the 36-year-old veteran.

Recently, Kiwoom has beefed up its resources as another first baseman. It recruited Kang Jin-seong, who was released from SSG. "He can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield on medium and long-distance right-handed hitters. He will play various roles in offense and defense," Kiwoom said, expressing expectations for Kang. For now, if Choi stays at Kiwoom, he will be the main first baseman and Kang will be the backup. How will Choi be evaluated in the FA market this time? How will Choi Joo-hwan perform next season.