Bae Ji-hwan (24, Pittsburgh) was thrilled to be included in the major league roster for the first time in five years after advancing to the United States.
An official familiar with the circumstances of the Pittsburgh club said in an interview with Star News on the 27th (Korean time), “Bae Ji-hwan will start this season in the major leagues.” He continued, “Although Bae Ji-hwan did not achieve outstanding results in this spring camp, it seems that his potential, such as wide-ranging defense using quick feet, running ability, and ability to digest various tactics, was recognized.” It also fits well with the circumstances of the team in Pittsburgh, which is rebuilding,” he added.
Bae Ji-hwan, who came from Gyeongbuk High School and moved to the United States in 2018, proudly put his name on the 26-man roster for the opening game of the big leagues for the first time since his debut.
The condition of veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen (37), who signed with Pittsburgh ahead of this season, is not in normal condition, which helped Bae Ji-hwan get on the opening game. An official said, “McCutchin is known to have a bad elbow right now. He is not yet on the injured list, but it is unclear whether he will play in the opening game.”
Bae Ji-hwan, a utility player capable of both infield and outfield defense, debuted in the big leagues in September of last year. Considering that the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the Corona 19 incident, it showed rapid growth enough to step on the major league stage after 4 seasons after advancing to the United States.
Bae Ji-hwan played in 10 big league games last year and posted a batting average of 0.333 (11 hits in 33 at-bats), 6 RBIs and 3 stolen bases, confirming his potential. He also had a good OPS (on-base percentage and slugging percentage) of 0.829. In this spring camp, as of the 27th, he has played in 17 games and recorded a batting average of 0.244 (10 hits in 41 at-bats), 2 RBIs, 4 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.563.
Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, along with Bae Ji-hwan,안전놀이터 Choi Ji-man (32) will be included in the roster for the opening game. It is the first time for two Korean fielders to start a major league regular season on the same team. Pittsburgh will play spring camp exhibition games until the 29th, and then start the regular season with Cincinnati and three consecutive away matches from the 31st.