Overpowering Offense Overcomes Pitching Woes: Kang Baek-ho’s Presence Shines as Hanwha Eagles’ Lineup Anchor

Kang Baek-ho, who joined the Hanwha Eagles this season under a high-profile free agent contract, has completely transformed the team’s batting order. After 36 games, he boasts a .320 batting average, 7 home runs, 38 RBIs, 24 runs scored, and a .524 slugging percentage.

The move initially drew mixed feelings—expectation mixed with concern. Kang signed a four-year deal worth up to 10 billion won with Hanwha ahead of the season. Given that previous high-priced FA acquisitions like Eom Sang-baek and Shim Woo-jun had underperformed, some fans and analysts were cautious. But Kang quickly dispelled those doubts with a blistering start to his first season in a new uniform.

Unlike last year, Hanwha has leaned heavily on its offense this season. In 2025, the Eagles reached the Korean Series for the first time in 19 years thanks to a dominant rotation featuring Cody Ponce and Ryan Weiss, plus a strong bullpen. This year, however, the story is different. Injuries to starting pitchers Owen White, Wilkel Hernandez, and Moon Dong-ju have decimated the rotation, and the bullpen has also faltered. Through 36 games, Hanwha’s team ERA sits at 5.29, worst in the league, with the bullpen specifically struggling at 6.20.

But Hanwha has countered with an enviable heart of the lineup. Third hitter Moon Hyun-bin has shown improved power and contact skills—his 7 home runs already surpass half of last season’s total (12), and his 27 walks are quickly approaching his 2025 mark of 38. Returning outfielder Jonathan Peraza has also been a steady force, batting over .300 from the No. 2 spot and creating scoring opportunities.

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And at the heart of it all is Kang Baek-ho, emerging as the primary run producer. With a .465 average with runners in scoring position, he leads the league with 38 RBIs. In just 36 games, his hits, RBIs, runs, and home runs have already matched half his totals from last season.

Adding to the firepower is Noh Si-hwan, who struggled early and was sent to the minors to reset. Since returning, Noh has heated up in May with a .342 batting average, amplifying his synergy with Kang. The now-familiar celebratory routines between the No. 4 hitter Kang and No. 5 hitter Noh are bringing smiles to Hanwha fans.