"I want to compete with Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers) for home run."

Noh Si-hwan (Hanwha Eagles) promised to play in the 2025 season.

Noh Si-hwan, a native of Gyeongnam Middle School and Gyeongnam High School, is a right-to-right infield resource with strong slugging power. He was called by Hanwha as the third overall in the second round of the first round in 2019, and played in 686 games with a batting average of 0.265 (630 hits in 2,377 times at bat) with 92 homers and 389 RBIs (on-base plus slugging) of 0.790.스포츠토토

However, he failed to smile last year. Due to various injuries, he failed to display his skills to the fullest. His performance in 136 games with a batting average of 0.272 (143 hits in 526 at-bats) and 24 homers with 89 RBIs and an OPS of 0.810. It was definitely an excellent report card, but it was a bit disappointing because Noh had an outstanding performance in the 2023 season. Noh once became the home run and RBI king in 131 games in 2023 with a batting average of 0.298 (153 hits in 514 at-bats) and 31 homers and 101 RBIs.

Looking back on last season, Noh said, "I need to do well so that Hanwha can rise to a higher level. That made last year all the more regrettable. I did not play much role in the race to reach the top five. I will do well this season and make sure that I make it to the top five."

"I don't think I did well last year, just because I had a career-high performance two years ago. When it comes to baseball, you can do well in a year and you can't do well in a year. I prepared this season with a new idea," he said. "It was January when I went to the final camp and training center. The preparation period was a bit short, but I did a good job in preparing for it. Rather than changing my batting form, I changed my mindset."

Having ranked eighth (66 wins, two draws and 76 losses) last year, Hanwha has successfully strengthened its capability during the off-season. It has recruited right-hander Eom Sang-baek and shortstop resource Shim Woo-joon who joined the free agent market. Now, Hanwha is aiming higher this year with its new stadium (Daejeon Hanwha Life Ball Park). Noh Si-hwan is also poised to lead Hanwha's stellar performance.

"I have to take good care of the older guys. There are many younger guys down there. Since we played baseball for a long time in the first division than in the junior league, we should lead by example. We will listen carefully to the older guys and unify the team," he said. "I haven't been to (the new stadium) yet. I have to hit after the camp to see how much the ball flies. I have high expectations. We have to hit many home runs in the new stadium. (The first home run at the new stadium) will be meaningful because it is our first home run since its opening. I will try to hit it once."

While Noh Si-hwan slowed down a bit last year, there were many good third basemen in the KBO League. Notably, Kim Do-young showed stellar performance. He has emerged as a superstar in Korean baseball by batting .347 (189 hits in 544 at-bats), 38 homers, 40 steals, 109 RBIs and OPS 1.067 in 141 games.

"There are too many good third basemen. I don't have a sense of competition. All I have to do is do my job well," Noh said. "I hope I can compete with (Kim) Do-young for home run." Since everyone hit so many times, shouldn't he hit 40 times to become the home run king?" Will Noh be able to shake off his disappointment in the 2024 season and regain this season's home run king title.