"I did well last year, so I'll show you more this year." A 22-year-old, 165-cm infielder's pledge...As long as there are no injuries, I will challenge for the .300 hitter and steal king

"I did well last year, so I'll show you more this year." A 22-year-old, 165-cm infielder's pledge...As long as there are no injuries, I will challenge for the .300 hitter and steal king

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"I don't feel any pressure. I did well last year, so I feel like I should show more this year."

SSG Landers infielder Jung Joon-jae is confident.

Jung Joon-jae was drafted by SSG as the 50th in the fifth round of the 2024 KBO Rookie Draft. In fact, after graduating from Gangneung High School, Jung participated in the rookie draft but was rejected. After going to Dongguk University and playing in the first and second grade, he participated in the rookie draft as an early draft and entered the professional stage after re-examination.메이저놀이터

Jung Joon-jae has established himself in the first division through his fast feet and outstanding baseball sense, and has become an even more anticipated player for the 2025 season. He recorded a batting average of 0.307 with 66 hits, one homer, 23 RBIs, 40 runs, and 16 steals in 88 games during the 2024 season. From May 25, he finished the season in the first division without ever going down to the second division. In recognition of Jung's performance, SSG presented him with 75 million won, an increase of 45 million won (150 percent increase rate) from the previous 30 million won.

Jung also had his first spring camp training in Florida with first-team players. His first spring camp for the first time since his debut. It was meaningful as he is highly likely to play second base in the upcoming season. He also boarded a plane to Okinawa, Japan, where his second spring camp site was set up.

Jeong Joon-jae, who met with reporters ahead of his departure for Okinawa, Japan, at Incheon International Airport on the 23rd, said, "Actually, the hardest thing when I was in Florida was adjusting to the jet lag. I kept sleeping. So, I felt good during the training. Should I say it felt a bit different. It was fun," and added, "Even if I did well last year, I thought, 'Will I be able to go to the U.S.? I feel good to be included in the camp list."

The annual salary is 200 percent satisfactory. "My friends and people around me teased me saying 'Didn't you get paid less?' as a joke, but the amount was too much for me. I'm really grateful to the club," he said with a smile.

When I go to Okinawa, I train mainly. Since the opening of the regular season is less than a month away, it is time to raise the pace.

"If you count it as 100, maybe 90? I think I have improved my condition. I think I have to fill up the remaining 10 as I play more games. Wouldn't I become 100 if I play more games?" Jung said. "When I play more games, my top priority is not to get hurt. The prevention of injury is the most important. I need to be healthy." He added, "The defense and running base have confidence. However, I am still thinking about the timing when to hit."

Although his debut season performance can be a burden, Jung Joon-jae does not feel pressured. He is a timid young man in his 20s outside the ballpark, but he is more energetic than anyone else at the ballpark and does not know the word tension.

"I would normally feel pressure and think a lot about it, but now I don't feel any pressure. I thought, 'I did well last year, so can I show more performance this year?'" he said. "I want to hit at least 30 percent like last season. I want to hit at least 50 steals. My goal is to secure a bigger goal. I want to become the stealer king. To achieve my goal, it is important to work hard, but not to get hurt. If I work hard without injury, I think I will be able to achieve my goal."