Regarding whether to participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), Song Chengwen is as precious as words. What does the head of his team think?
On the 24th (Korean time), the leader of the Padres (AJ Preller Padres) conveyed his thoughts related to this at the press conference of Song Chengwen joining the team through a video interview.
He opened the conversation by saying, “This is an issue we have discussed,” and he replied, “This is an issue to continue the dialogue with Song Chengwen and Mark Pieper (agent).”
Although Song Sung-moon is currently included in the reserve list of the WBC Korean representative team, with the conclusion of a four-year contract with Padres, whether he can participate has become unclear.
Previously, when he met reporters at the immigration counter of Incheon International Airport, he also said: “We need to discuss this with the team. It is difficult to answer now.”
Fraler said: “I realize that he has a certain level of attention. Whenever a player is willing to participate in the WBC, we will support him. But at the same time, I also understand that it is his first time in the United States and he wants to make an impression on the team. Because of this, we will have an open mind. We are considering communicating in the near future before making a decision.”
In addition, Freler welcomed newly-joined Song Chengwen at the meeting, saying: “I really poached him with a happy mood, and finally signed the contract.”
Song Sung-moon, a right-handed left-handed hitter, set a record of 0.283 batting average, 0.347 slugging percentage, and 0.431 slugging percentage in 824 games in the KBO League. Especially after the 2024 season, it has emerged and attracted people’s attention. In 144 games last season, he set records with a batting average of .315, an on-base percentage of .387, a slugging percentage of .530, 26 home runs, 90 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases.
Fraler, who called Song Chengwen “a player who can have an impact on both offense and defense,” said, “His development in the KBO over the past two seasons has been a very unique journey. He controlled the strike zone well and completed high-level passes with ease, showing himself as an influential hitter in the KBO. In addition, the defense at 3rd base is very good, and the defensive ability at 2nd base is also very attractive. His diversity is very important for a team aiming to win the championship.”
He went on to say, “I’ve been watching him personally over the past few weeks and seeing his positive attitude and I think he has a charismatic look that our fans will love. I think he’s a very good player in terms of building a team that’s going to challenge for a championship.”
Regarding Song Sung-moon’s efforts to become a completely different player in the past two years, he said, “You must hear a lot about dedication from talented players.” He also said, “Not only did he show his dedication in the weight room and diet adjustment, but he also developed the ability to maintain balance, pull the ball hard, and hit the fast ball with the help of the hitting coach. I think it is also one of my motivations to see my teammates enter the Major League Baseball and succeed.” He may be thinking, “The next player may be me.” These seem to be combined. When our scouts observed him, they also came to me and reported that these factors were the reasons for success, “and praised the player’s efforts.
[MK体育记者 金在浩]
