Kim Seo-hyun's short Japan stint: Can the Hanwha pitcher find his form?

Struggling with control issues and a high earned run average this season, Hanwha Eagles pitcher Kim Seo-hyun has traveled to Japan for a short-term training program. Kim, who is set to return on July 26, has been working at the NEXT BASE ATHLETES LAB in Chiba Prefecture, a facility known for its detailed motion analysis and data-driven training.

Kim's performance has been a significant concern for the Eagles. After a strong showing as a closer in the 2025 season, where he recorded 33 saves and helped the team reach the postseason for the first time in seven years, his effectiveness waned. This season, he has posted a 12.38 ERA in 12 appearances, issuing 15 walks in just 8 innings pitched, a stark contrast to his previous success.

The pitcher's control problems were particularly evident in a May 7 game against the KIA Tigers, where he failed to record an out in the ninth inning, allowing four runs. This led to his demotion to the Futures (second) league, where he continued to struggle with walks despite a 3.86 ERA in 19 games.

Hanwha Eagles has invested in Kim's development, hoping that the specialized training in Japan will help him overcome his mechanical issues. The club has seen positive results from this facility with other pitchers, such as Kim Jin-wook of the Lotte Giants and Lee Eui-ri of the KIA Tigers, who have shown improved performance after training there. The Eagles are cautiously optimistic that Kim Seo-hyun can recapture his previous form and become a valuable asset to the team as they compete for a playoff spot.