Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung concluded his three-year tenure on October 12 at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, addressing the media before the final match of the 2026 KBO League season against the Doosan Bears without securing the promised postseason berth. Appointed in October 2023 on a three-year deal worth 2.4 billion won, Kim led the team to seventh-place finishes in both the 2024 and 2025 campaigns, with the 2026 season concluding similarly in the lower half of the standings.
Reflecting on Decades at Jamsil Baseball Stadium
Standing in the dugout for the final game of his contract, Kim reflected on his long association with the venue. His history at the stadium stretches back to his university days and the 1988 Seoul Olympics, followed by nearly three decades associated with Doosan before taking over the Giants.
“My baseball life is all in Jamsil,” Kim said before the match. He added that his temperament does not lend itself easily to lingering sentimentality, noting that he was focused on his future rather than looking backward.
Unresolved Contract Status and Future Outlook
Regarding his prospects for a contract extension, Kim stated that formal discussions with the Lotte front office had not yet taken place. He indicated that talks would likely occur within a couple of days following the team’s return to Busan.
The manager expressed regret over failing to deliver postseason baseball to the fan base. He singled out the 2025 season as the most painful moment of his tenure, pointing to a sharp drop from third place as rival clubs utilized returning injured players to surge ahead while Lotte faded.
Roster Depth and Structural Limitations
Assessing the state of the squad after three years at the helm, Kim pointed to improvements in the team’s middle-infield spine—including catcher, shortstop, second baseman, and center fielder—alongside the emergence of young pitching talent.
However, he criticized the club’s lack of overall roster depth. Noting that everyday players cannot handle a full 144-game schedule without breaks or injuries, Kim emphasized that the organization must acquire external talent and build a stronger reserve corps to contend consistently.
Final Game and Departure
The Giants completed their 2026 schedule facing the Doosan Bears in Seoul, closing out a three-year cycle defined by high initial expectations and unmet playoff goals. Kim expressed gratitude to the supporters who backed the club throughout his tenure while reiterating his responsibility for the team’s failure to advance.
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