The year 2025 is very important to Kang Baek-ho of the KT Wiz. He will become a free agent for the first time since the end of the season.안전놀이터

It is expected that Kang will be able to sign an ultra-large, long-term contract depending on his performance this season. Some even mention the possibility of advancing to the Major League in the U.S. Major League Baseball. Kang is in a situation that could put pressure on him.

On top of that, Kang has been assigned a new mission in an important season. KT has decided to assign Kang the role of the No. 1 hitter in the new season. It plans to give Kang many chances to hit, thereby boosting its offense power.

In many ways, Kang Baek-ho's shoulders are likely to become heavy, but Kang shook his head, saying that nothing has changed from previous years.

"The profession of a professional baseball player is to play with pressure," Kang told reporters at the Incheon International Airport on Wednesday after finishing his spring camp. "There was always pressure. The interview itself is burdensome."

He stressed, "It's the same every year," and added, "I think if I trust myself a little more and be bold, I'm sure there will be good results."

The burden of playing the No. 1 hitter has been removed from my mind. "I just think I have more chances to hit," he said. "The club will not expect me to see more balls (traditional role of No. 1 hitter) and increase the number of pitches that the opposing pitcher throws."

"We will actively swing aggressively as usual," he said.

He has also gained confidence in his role as a catcher since the middle of last season. "Last season, I had a lot of difficulties because I was a catcher not ready, but now I am confident," Kang said. "I have had many conversations with pitchers. I will show good defense in the new season."

He also reflected on his lackluster performance. "I failed to make bold attacks in the way I did in the past, resulting in poor performance in recent years," Kang said. "I will play more boldly this year so that I don't regret it."

Kang is focusing only on the 2025 season. He gave a brief answer to a question about his goal to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

"I don't see a distant future," Kang said. "I will do my best in the World Baseball Classic, but this season is important right now." For now, he showed strong commitment to focus on the season.