SSG Landers ace Kim Gwang-hyun (35) expressed his positive intentions several times during last year’s regular season when St. Louis Cardinals infielder Tommy Edman (28) joined the Korean national team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). 

Kim Gwang-hyun ate Edmund and Rice in St. Louis during the 2020-2021 season when he entered the major leagues. Edman, whose mother is Korean, showed closeness by approaching Kim Gwang-hyun first and greeting him in Korean as soon as he joined his first spring camp after joining St. Louis.

As Gwang-Hyun Kim returned to the KBO League in the 2022 season, the two of them stopped together, but Gwang-Hyun Kim still had good memories of Edmund. Unlike the Olympics and Asian Games, the WBC also expressed a desire to be part of the national team because the nationality of parents or grandparents can participate in the WBC.

Kim Gwang-hyun said in November of last year, “Edmon can hardly speak Korean. I remember saying ‘Hello’, but I had a good time while playing together.” It would be a big help if I was selected (for the Korean national team), and I think the players also have a desire to play.”

In addition, he laughed, saying, “If I come to the national team, I will definitely teach Korean-style seniors and juniors,” and expressed anticipation, saying, “It would be really fun to play together with Edmon in the WBC.”

Kim Kwang-hyun’s wish came true. As Edmund was named in the 30 final entries for the 2023 WBC announced by the KBO on the 4th, they will be on the ground wearing the Taegeuk mark side by side at the Tokyo Dome in Japan in March. 

Edman’s skills are unquestionable. In 2021, he won the National League second baseman Gold Glove and was recognized for his ability to defend the top-notch infield in the major leagues. There is a high possibility of forming a keystone combination with Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres), who was nominated for the Gold Glove in the National League shortstop category last year.

His batting and running ability are also outstanding. Last year, in 153 games, he had a batting average of 0.265, 13 home runs, 57 RBIs, 95 points, and 32 steals, and an OPS of 0.725, reviving St. Louis offense. He is expected to be a great addition to the WBC national team as well.

Kim Kwang-hyun is expected to play a role as a bridge between Korean players and Edman, while Edmon volunteered to act as a ‘helper’ if he joins the Korean national team.메이저사이트

Gwang-Hyun Kim Personally, the 2023 WBC is highly motivating. Kim Gwang-hyun’s participation in the WBC is also the first time in 14 years since the 2009 tournament. As the eldest member of the pitching staff, he has been preparing for spring camp more busily than ever before, carrying the heavy responsibility of holding the center of the pitching team as well as leadership.