Lee Hak-ju and Son Ho-young, a surprise hero appears at a dead end?

 Lotte and LG announced a surprise sign-and-trade on the 26th that many people did not expect until the beginning of the transfer market. Veteran infielder Kim Min-seong (36) was at the center of it all. Kim Min-seong, who had been unable to find a way out in the free agent market, found a clue through sign-and-trade.

First, Minseong Kim signed a 2+1 year contract with LG for a total of 900 million won (down payment of 200 million won, total annual salary of 500 million won, total incentive of 200 million won). Then, they immediately made a trade with Lotte and instead of sending Kim Min-seong, they recruited infielder Kim Min-soo (26). Initially, Kim Min-seong's side considered sign-and-trade as a method, but it wasn't that long ago that Lotte came up with that card. In a way, it was as if something had unraveled in an instant.

There is an assessment that everyone can benefit. First of all, Minseong Kim looked for a team where he could receive better treatment and more opportunities. It is known that the conditions that LG proposed to Kim Min-seong were leader training for a total of 500 million won for two years. It was difficult to offer more money in a situation where the club had a tight salary cap. Kim Min-seong increased his total amount by being traded, and it is highly likely that he will get more opportunities to play in Lotte than in LG, where the starting players can be seen as solid.

The reason why Lotte suddenly pushed to recruit Kim Min-seong is because Han Dong-hee, who is the team's starting third baseman and should be the team's main hitter from a long-term perspective, is about to enlist. Han Dong-hee, who needed a turning point in her career, applied to the Armed Forces Athletic Corps (Sangmu). He will enlist in June if he is finally accepted. In a broader sense, one more infielder was needed to fill the void left by Han Dong-hee. Kim Min-seong is a player who literally sees all four positions in the infield. He is expected to start as the starting second baseman and play various positions.

Instead of letting go of Kim Min-seong, who was experiencing difficulties in negotiations, LG alleviated their disappointment by acquiring Kim Min-soo, a player who not only has the potential to carry out Kim Min-seong's role in the future, but also has great potential. It is the concept of a compensatory player, and there was a point where LG was a compensatory player that could be selected to some extent. Kim Min-soo, who was unable to achieve his goals at Lotte, also created conditions for a new start in a new environment.

But there are concerns on both sides. For LG, an immediate decline in power became inevitable as Kim Min-seong, last year's infield utility player and No. 1 backup, left. Kim Min-seong was a 'starting-level backup' player who could step in at any time when an infield spot was empty or the starting players needed a rest. LG also has some infield backup players, but in fact, there is no player with as much versatility as Kim Min-seong. He needs to fill this void quickly as he aims to win the championship again this year.

The same goes for Lotte. Even though Kim Min-seong was brought in, there are still concerns about infield traffic control. Assuming Noh Jin-hyuk fills Han Dong-hee's vacancy at third base, the shortstop position will be empty. There is no suitable player to hold the central axis of the team's defense. Although both sides made a trade out of necessity, it is difficult to say that the problem has been resolved. It is an unfinished picture with at least one piece of the puzzle missing.

The players drawing attention here are Lee Hak-ju (34, Lotte) and Son Ho-young (30, LG). The two players have something in common: they entered the American stage after graduating from high school and dreamed of playing in the major leagues, and after a U-turn, they were spotlighted as promising players in the team's infield, but they also have something in common: they have not yet reached their full potential. However, given the infield situation of both teams this year, the two players must play their part. Considering their ages, both players could be said to be at a dead end, but it could also be said that their biggest opportunity has come.

If Noh Jin-hyuk moves to third base in the second half of the season, Lee Hak-ju is a candidate for the shortstop position. There is no Lotte infielder who surpasses Lee Hak-ju in terms of defensive range or overall defensive potential. Although mistakes are made occasionally, the defense is solid. In the end, the key is how to make up for the batting, which has barely exceeded .200 since 2021. Hak-ju Lee had a batting average of only 0.209 in 104 games last year. In order to secure consistent playing time, he must demonstrate ability not only in defense but also in attack to solidify his position.

Son Ho-young is raising expectations as an infield multiplayer. Although Kim Min-soo has joined, expectations for Son Ho-young are still valid. LG coach Yeom Kyung-yeop is confident that Son Ho-young is a resource capable of hitting double-digit home runs. With frequent injuries blocking the player's future, he must remain healthy this year to secure a spot in the LG infield. As he can play a variety of positions, attention is being paid to whether he can gradually expand his position starting as a backup.

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