One of the players that Hanwha fans, who promised the next year at the end of last season, cited as a hope factor for the new season was outfielder Choi In-ho (25). 안전놀이터

Choi In-ho, who debuted in the first division in 2020 wearing the Hanwha uniform, joined the military after serving as an outfield backup for two years and finished his service in Sangmu. He started playing in the first division again in August 2023, and showed outstanding contact skills for two years until last year, revealing high growth potential.

In September last year, Choi had a batting average of 0.407, five RBIs and seven runs scored in 29 games. In the 2024 season, he had a batting average of 0.394, two homers, 21 RBIs and 21 runs scored in 27 games in the Futures League. If Hanwha had a little more games left, Choi might have had more time to show his improved performance in the first team. 

After finishing the season with regret, Choi strongly gripped the bat again almost at the start of the off-season. He participated in the Miyazaki Finishing Camp held in November last year and endured coach Kim Kyung-moon's intense training at the first spring camp held in Melbourne, Australia.

Having also joined the second camp in Okinawa, Japan, Choi has been busy since Sunday, when the first training session for Okinawa took place. He busily completed his tight schedule by engaging in batting and defense training.

"It's great to be able to play sports with top-tier players in a good environment from Australia (Melbourne) to Japan (Okinawa). The team is in a good mood, and it's permeating well," Choi said. "I'm really satisfied that I'm still playing baseball without getting hurt."

Choi In-ho was in particular good condition in terms of batting, hitting a home run in the middle of his second practice game against the Australian national team in Melbourne. 

"I've been in good condition ever since I came into the camp. The coach often tells me to 'hit aggressively' not only me but also all the batters. Thanks to this, I was able to go to the batter's box comfortably, which led to good results," he explained.

He expressed his strong mind in the outfield competition. Choi In-ho said, "All outfielders are doing their best to take advantage of their own strengths. Even if you have a chance, wouldn't it be more important to catch well? All of our outfielders are trying not to let people say that the Hanwha outfield is weak anymore." 

Choi In-ho said, "I want to show the best performance that I can without getting hurt in an exhibition game in March. Furthermore, I will try to get on board the opening entry."