▲ Manager Kim Kyung-moon ⓒKwak Hye-mi reporter
[SPOTV News = Gocheok, Reporter Park Seung-hwan] “I think (Lee Min-woo) will be waiting at the back a lot.”
Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-moon took time to discuss the closer role ahead of the team’s third regular season game of the 2026 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League against the Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 12th.
Hanwha has struggled with instability in the bullpen since the final game of last year’s regular season. Kim Seo-hyun, who had an outstanding season with 2 wins, 4 losses, 2 holds, 33 saves, and a 3.14 ERA over 69 appearances, faltered in a crucial moment that could have secured the regular season title, allowing 4 runs on 3 hits (2 home runs) over ⅔ innings against the SSG Landers. He has yet to regain his form.
Kim Seo-hyun started this season as the team’s closer, but after a shocking performance with 6 walks and 1 hit-by-pitch against the Samsung Lions on the 14th of last month, he was sent down to the minors for recalibration. However, he has not recovered trust, and the minor league stint did not serve as a drastic remedy. In his first game back on the 7th against the KIA Tigers, he failed to record a single out despite pitching with a comfortable lead, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 hit-by-pitches. So far in 12 games, he has a 1-2 record, 1 save, and a 12.38 ERA.
▲ Zack Cushing ⓒHanwha Eagles
▲ Kim Seo-hyun ⓒKwak Hye-mi reporter
To address the bullpen issues, the Eagles have used Zack Cushing, originally signed as a replacement for injured foreign starter Owen White, as a reliever instead of a starter. As of the 12th game, Cushing has a 1-2 record, 3 saves, and a 4.82 ERA over 14 appearances. Considering his inconsistent and irregular usage, his performance is not bad. However, only a few days remain before parting ways with Cushing.
Cushing’s contract with Hanwha expires on the 15th. While it’s possible to end the partnership with Owen White and extend Cushing’s stay, that scenario seems unlikely. Although the team is on a recent winning streak, this is a deepening concern for manager Kim Kyung-moon. Replacing Cushing with a reliable closer is no easy task, as both Kim Seo-hyun and the setup men have been struggling significantly.
Nevertheless, a decision must be made. With only three games left until Cushing’s departure, who will take over the closer role?
Manager Kim Kyung-moon addressed the question about the closer should Cushing leave, stating before the 10th game, “Rather than naming one specific pitcher, I think we need to deploy several pitchers depending on the situation. We might approach it according to the team and the situation.” However, he has one pitcher in mind: Lee Min-woo.
▲ Kim Seo-hyun and Manager Kim Kyung-moon ⓒKwak Hye-mi reporter
▲ Lee Min-woo ⓒKwak Hye-mi reporter
Lee Min-woo served as Hanwha’s setup man last year, posting a 2-1 record, 10 holds, 1 save, and a 3.76 ERA over 64 appearances. This season, including the 13th game, he has a 1-0 record, 2 holds, and a 2.40 ERA in 12 games. He has been the most stable candidate for the closer role.
Manager Kim Kyung-moon added, “It would be better to say it clearly now, but I think Min-woo will be waiting a lot at the back.”
Of course, the situation can change at any time, but until Kim Seo-hyun regains his form after Cushing’s departure, Lee Min-woo is likely to take over as Hanwha’s closer.
