Kiwoom Heroes transfer Kim Dong-kyu (19) showed promise in his first start since joining the organization.

Kim Dong-kyu started a Futures League game against SSG Landers at Uiam Baseball Stadium in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, on April 4 and pitched five innings of four-hit ball with one walk and three strikeouts. He threw 67 pitches, with his fastball reaching up to 147 kilometers per hour. He also throws a curveball, slider, and forkball.

Kim Dong-gyu, a rookie right-hander who joined LG in the second round (17th overall) of the 2023 rookie draft, was acquired by Kiwoom via trade on March 29. In exchange for Kiwoom’s starting pitcher Choi Won-tae, LG sent Lee Ju-hyung, Kim Dong-gyu, and a first-round pick (No. 8) in the 2024 rookie draft to Kiwoom.

The key card in the Choi Won-tae trade is undoubtedly Lee Ju-hyung. Recognized for his hitting talent since his days in LG, Lee has been playing consistently in the outfield since joining Kiwoom and has reached his full potential. After getting a hit in every game after the move, he was silent for the first time in the NC on May 5, going hitless in four at-bats. However, the attention of Kiwoom and LG fans is now focused on Lee, as he is batting 2-for-8 with 12 runs (42 RBI), one home run, six RBI, and an .809 OPS in 25 games.

However, Kim Dong-kyu is also a prospect to watch. “He is very tall (195 centimeters) and has good strength. He throws mid-to-high 140 kilometers per hour and has a good changeup. I think he’s a future starter. He can be used as a bullpen pitcher in the first team right now, but I think it’s better to develop him as a starter for the future,” he said, looking forward to Kim’s growth.

Dong-gyu Kim, who has been consistently given opportunities to start in the Futures League by LG, is 3-5 with a 3.63 ERA in 10 games (44⅔ innings) in the Futures League this season. He’s been a solid performer and has shown promise as a future starter.메이저사이트

Kiwoom gave up a longtime, quality starter in Choi Won-tae to LG. What they got in return were prospects who can lead the team in the future. It will be interesting to see if Lee Ju-hyung and Kim Dong-gyu, who are on their way to becoming the next generation of stars, can grow into the stars that Kiwoom fans are so excited about.