KIA Tigers Trade for Ha Ju-suk, Send Lee Hyung-bum to Hanwha Eagles

KIA Tigers and Hanwha Eagles roster needs

Strategic Objectives Behind the Trade

The mid-season transaction, occurring eight days before the July 31 trade deadline, reflects the distinct roster needs of both organizations. KIA sought to bolster its infield, having rotated players such as Park Min, Kim Kyu-sung, Jeong Hyun-chang, and the now-released Jered Dale at shortstop throughout the season. The club stated, Ha Ju-suk can handle various positions including second base and shortstop and has rich 1st-team experience, so he will be a help to the team’s power. The Tigers plan to utilize the 32-year-old as a versatile infield option, a move that provides necessary coverage as third baseman Kim Do-young prepares to join the national team for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September.

For Hanwha, the acquisition of Lee Hyung-bum addresses a persistent struggle in the bullpen. The Eagles have faced instability following the decline of closer Kim Seo-hyun, leaving the team without reliable middle-inning options. Hanwha general manager Son Hyuk expressed confidence in the move, noting, Lee Hyung-bum is a veteran pitcher with closing experience. Also, through recent data, we confirmed that his velocity and the movement of his two-seam fastball have competitive power. The club added, The veteran Lee Hyung-bum, who has closing experience, will add strength to the bullpen.

Ha Ju-suk and Lee Hyung-bum player backgrounds

Player Backgrounds and Transitions

The trade marks a significant shift for Ha Ju-suk, who had spent 14 years as a Hanwha “one-club man.” Drafted first overall in the 2012 rookie draft out of Seoul Shinil High School, Ha served as a team captain in 2021 before encountering professional challenges, including a 2022 disciplinary incident involving a helmet-throwing event and a subsequent DUI. He spent the current year in the Futures (second-tier) league, recording a .327 batting average with 1 home run and 12 RBIs in 98 at-bats. He now departs for Gwangju, leaving behind a personal connection to the city as his wife, cheerleader Kim Yeon-jung, remains with the Eagles.

Lee Hyung-bum, 32, joins his fourth team after stints with NC, Doosan, and KIA. A native of Hwasun, Jeonnam, Lee found the move to his home-region club particularly emotional. In a statement, he remarked, It was a team full of affection. The players were very close-knit. That’s why I didn’t want to leave. Because it’s my hometown team, I had a bigger desire to do well. Lee has recorded a 3.00 ERA over 24 innings across 19 appearances this season.

Keishou Shirakawa farewell at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field

Emotional Aftermath in Gwangju

The announcement of the trade on July 23, following a 9-3 Hanwha victory at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field, triggered a visible reaction among the KIA roster. Lee’s departure was marked by an emotional farewell with his teammates, most notably Keishou Shirakawa, the Asian-quota pitcher who joined the club in late May. Lee recalled the moment, stating, My colleagues were trying to smile and say nice things, but Shirakawa was crying. It seems he has a very soft heart. I also didn’t feel good seeing Shirakawa cry. Lee noted that they intended to share a meal together in the future. As the league approaches the final week of trade eligibility, Lee expressed his immediate goal: I want to grab this opportunity well. My goal for this season was to finish without injury, and I want to achieve that at Hanwha as well.