“I was surprised when I first heard that I was nominated as a free agent compensation player. But later, I thought this was an opportunity.”
Kim Dae-yu, a transfer student to the KIA Tigers, said in an interview before departure at Incheon International Airport on the 30th, “It’s been a while since I went to camp. I am both excited and worried. I am nervous because I have to work with players I am seeing for the first time. Even though it was a short time, I think all the players I met are kind. I don’t think there will be any big problems with adaptation,” he said, expressing his feelings about leaving for spring camp for the first time after transferring. 안전놀이터
Kim Dae-yu, who played an active role in LG until last season, was named as Park Dong-won’s free agent compensation player in November of last year and wore a KIA uniform. Kim Dae-yu, who played an active role last season with an average ERA of 2.04 with 2 wins, 1 loss and 13 holds in 59 games (39⅔ innings), is expected to play an important role in the bullpen in the KIA.
Regarding these expectations, Kim Dae-yu said, “I am so grateful. But it also comes with a lot of responsibility. He has nothing but thoughts that he must reciprocate the expectations. He seems to have thought of that while lying in bed at night. There are times when he suddenly comes to mind before going to bed. Every time that happened, I made a commitment once again, worked out, and stayed like that.”
Kim Dae-yu, who reduced both business trips and innings from 64 games (50⅔ innings) in the 2021 season to 59 games (39⅔ innings) last season, said, “Of course, personally, you may feel a thirst for playing. Such a mind must be present. Still, if he puts down his mind, he can take another approach. When he gets on the mound while playing baseball, he thinks he’s learned the mental part again. He studied a lot on his own,” he said.
Kim Dae-yu, who came to KIA through Nexen (now Kiwoom), SK (now SSG), KT, and LG, said, “I was surprised when I first heard that I was nominated as a free agent compensation player. However, he later felt that this was an opportunity. He thought I had a chance to elevate myself a little higher. So he worked hard to prepare to live well. I think it will be better if I go to camp. I was unconditionally better than last year, and I think I can do just as well as last year.”
Kim Dae-yu, who is recording an average ERA of 3.44 in the KBO League, said, “I want to set my standard now. The average score for the last two years can be used. I’m not sure about the detailed indicators, but I think it’s an ideal number in terms of ERA. It would be nice if I could increase the number of innings, but I want to steadily produce more average results such as ERA and other seemingly good grades.