I only played 10 games. However, he left a strong impact and revealed his presence. He has changed his gaze even in the local area. Expectations for Pittsburgh Pirates Bae Ji-hwan (24) have risen.
On the 2nd (Korean time), reporter Kylie McDaniel of the US sports media ‘ESPN’ picked ‘Top 100 Prospects in 2023’. Bae Ji-hwan did not make the list, but was included in the list of 50 to watch. His position was classified as second baseman.
‘Pirates Prospects’, which specializes in Pittsburgh news, also covered the ESPN report and said, “It’s amazing just to be listed on 50 other than 100 prospects. The 50-man roster included three players from Pittsburgh. This is the first time Bae Ji-hwan has been mentioned.”
Bae Ji-hwan signed a contract with Pittsburgh in 2018 after graduating from Gyeongbuk High School and moved to the United States. Bae Ji-hwan, who had matured in the minor leagues, debuted in the big leagues last year. He also did well in the minor leagues. 안전놀이터 In June of last year, he was so active that he was selected as the player of the month in Triple A Indianapolis, a minor league under the club.
Bae Ji-hwan continued to draw a growth curve. He was called up to the big leagues at the end of last season. He went 11-for-33 with a batting average of 0.333 slugging percentage and 0.424 OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0829 in 10 games. He didn’t play many games, but he showed his potential for growth in the future.
He also showed active use of his quick feet. On October 1 of last year, against the St. Louis Cardinals, he had to try a surprise bunt in the fourth inning to create a hit, and the time Bae Ji-hwan reached first base was 3.65 seconds. This is the fastest record since 2019, when records related to ‘Statcast’ began to be compiled. Bae Ji-hwan recorded 3 stolen bases.
A situation where expectations are rising. Attention is focusing on whether Bae Ji-hwan can continue to play an active role this season.