LG Twins outfielder Seung-min 안전놀이터 Choi (27) has started a new chapter in his career.
Choi joined the LG Twins from the NC Dinos via trade on April 18. This is the first time he has changed teams since joining NC as a developmental player in 2015.
“I was surprised when I first heard the news of the trade,” Choi said on the 20th at Jamsil Stadium, “I’m sorry that I spent so long in Changwon (NC’s hometown), but I’m happy that the opportunity has come.”
Choi Seung-min, who had traveled to Seoul the day before, met the LG players for the first time. “I’m still in a daze,” he said, “but LG has a lot of fans and is a strong team. It’s great to be a part of this team. I think I should do it with pride.” He expressed his determination to start a new life.
Choi Seung-min is a player who hasn’t received much attention in the professional ranks until now. Since breaking into the first team in 2019, he has batted .297 (74-for-22) with five home runs, 32 RBIs and 16 stolen bases in 116 games.
This year, he didn’t receive a call-up to the first team and played exclusively in the Futures (second level) league, batting .239 with six RBI, nine runs scored and seven stolen bases in 24 games. His career numbers with the Futures are .305 with three home runs, 141 RBI, 274 runs scored and 127 stolen bases in 501 games.
The front-running LG snatched up Choi Seung-min because they saw the value in his quick feet. LG manager Yoon Kyung-yeop has repeatedly emphasized the need for a big bat who can play tactical baseball.
“He said, ‘Welcome,’ and said, ‘Think about what you need,'” Choi Seung-min said. “I think I need to focus on my batting and defense, and when I get a chance to hit, I need to do it well one at-bat at a time,” he added.
Yoon told reporters, “Choi Seung-min will play in the second team. If there are only three runners on base, he will be used as a pinch hitter. In defense, he will rotate between center field, right field, and left field every day. We will continue to work on stealing bases.”
Seung-min Choi also knows the role the team and coach want him to play. He is also confident.
“I can run 100 meters in 11 seconds. I’m confident in my speed,” Choi said, emphasizing that “speed is not everything, so I will prepare well by understanding the details of the pitcher’s habits.”
NC won the overall title in 2020, but Choi didn’t get a ring because he wasn’t on the roster.
This year, LG will likely use Seung-min as a trump card in the postseason. If Seung-min can fulfill his role, both LG and Seung-min can get the championship ring he so desperately wants.