It’s been a hectic day for SSG Landers outfielder Kang Jin-sung, 30, who joined the team via trade.
On the morning of the 25th, after appearing for the Doosan Bears in a Futures (Second Division) League game against the Kiwoom Heroes in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, he was informed of his trade and immediately traveled to Incheon.안전놀이터
“I was on my way back to Jamsil after the Futures League game when I got the call,” Kang said through the club. I was stunned by the sudden news,” he said, adding, “I greeted the Doosan team in my room and then traveled to Incheon.”
Later that day, SSG announced that it had agreed to a trade that would send right-handed pitcher Kim Jung-woo to Doosan in exchange for Kang Jin-seong.
In need of a right-hander, SSG first approached Doosan for a trade, and the cards were stacked in favor of Doosan, which was looking to bolster its bullpen depth.
SSG President Kim Sung-yong said, “As the season progressed, we felt the need for a right-hander. Kang Jin-seong is a player we’ve been watching,” said SSG President Kim Sung-yong.
Drafted by the NC Dinos with the 33rd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, Kang played eight seasons in the first team, appearing in 405 games and batting .265 with 23 home runs, 136 RBI, 24 doubles, and 131 runs scored. In 2020, he had a career-high season, hitting .309 with 12 home runs and 70 RBIs in 121 games.
Kang became a free agent after the 2021 season and wore a Doosan uniform as compensation for Park Geon-woo, who moved from Doosan to NC.
SSG head coach Kim Won-hyung added Kang to the first team roster immediately after the trade. It was also reported that he could be used as a pinch-hitter against the LG Twins at SSG Landers Field in Incheon.
Kang said, “Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop told me that this is a good opportunity, so I should think of it as my last team and do well. Manager Kim Won-hyung told me to take it easy. Since it was the first day, he advised us to get used to the dugout atmosphere and adapt well.”
“SSG was a team I wanted to visit at least once. I was envious of the infrastructure, including the locker room, from other teams, and I’m honored to be a part of the team.”
As SSG continues to compete for the top spot, he hopes to make a difference.
“I apologize to the fans for my disappointing performance at Doosan. However, since I came to SSG, I will become a player who can help the team compete for the top spot,” he said, adding, “I will not be a nuisance.”
Meanwhile, Kang Jin-seong, who wore number 49 at Doosan, will wear number 28 at SSG. This is the number used by Kim Jung-woo, who was transferred to Doosan.