Acting manager urges transferred player to prioritize hitting amid position uncertainty and sophomore slump

[OSEN=Incheon, Reporter Gil Joon-young] Doosan Bears acting manager Cho Sung-hwan offered sincere advice to transferred player Kim Min-seok (21).

Acting manager Cho stated in a pre-game interview ahead of the '2025 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League' match against the SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 19th, "We see Kim Min-seok as a player with potential in batting, so if he leverages his strengths, he will be able to find his position."

Kim Min-seok joined the Lotte Giants as the third overall pick in the first round of the 2023 rookie draft. In 2023, he played 129 games, batting .255 (102 hits in 400 at-bats) with 3 home runs, 39 RBIs, 53 runs scored, 16 stolen bases, and an OPS of .652, showing promise. However, in 2024, he struggled in 41 games, batting .211 (16 hits in 76 at-bats) with 6 RBIs, 14 runs scored, 3 stolen bases, and an OPS of .544, falling victim to the sophomore slump.

Ultimately, Lotte traded Kim Min-seok to Doosan in November 2024 along with Choo Jae-hyun and Choi Woo-in in exchange for Jeong Cheol-won and Jeon Min-jae. Doosan, who acquired Kim Min-seok at the cost of key relief pitcher Jeong Cheol-won, aimed to give him many opportunities. However, this season, Kim Min-seok played 90 games, batting .227 (49 hits in 216 at-bats) with 1 home run, 20 RBIs, 20 runs scored, 3 stolen bases, and an OPS of .562, finishing with a disappointing performance.

As Kim Min-seok's batting struggles affected his defense, he began to waver and is now alternating between outfield and first base. Acting manager Cho said, "I don't think Kim Min-seok is in a position where he's pressured by time. He still has to go to the military, and there's the precedent of Ahn Jae-seok, so it could even be a good opportunity. Still, we see him as a player with potential and are including him in the lineup. I think he needs to gain experience somehow."

Acknowledging that "some might view his alternating positions as being in an awkward middle ground," Acting manager Cho explained, "However, we are utilizing him as a player capable of multiple positions. Since batting is his main strength, if he showcases it, he will find a more suitable position. We will give him time."

Acting manager Cho added, "The batting slump has had an impact, and the fact that the two positions are polar opposites makes it challenging. Practicing and playing both positions might be a bit confusing, but if things go as we plan, it will become a tremendous weapon for Kim Min-seok. We hope for positive results."

"Don't think you have no position now and don't be anxious," Acting manager Cho told Kim Min-seok. "If your batting improves, the position will follow. Of course, you need to practice defense, but reviving your batting should be the first priority. If you hit well, we will find a position for you somehow," he said, expressing expectations for Kim Min-seok's improved performance. /fpdlsl72556@osen.co.kr

Doosan Bears' Cho: Kim Min-seok's batting key to position