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KBO hits leader Son Ah-seop looks to prove he still belongs at the plate

Published: 16 Apr. 2026, 17:24 Updated: 16 Apr. 2026, 17:41

Doosan Bears player Son Ah-seop [DOOSAN BEARS]

Son Ah-seop holds the record for the most hits in KBO history, a place where most hitters would feel their legacies would be secure. But after a recent decline and multiple trades, the veteran is now looking to simply prove he still belongs at the plate.

On June 20, 2024, Son Ah-seop recorded his 2,505th career hit, surpassing Park Yong-taik, who had 2,504, to take sole possession of first place in a game against the LG Twins at Jamsil, Songpa District, southern Seoul.

He finished last season with 2,618 hits and continues his pursuit of the unprecedented 3,000-hit milestone.

However, his once-consistent bat began to show signs of decline starting in 2024 — the same year he set the record. His hitting precision dropped and his defensive innings decreased, eventually pushing him out of the starting lineup. In July last year, the NC Dinos traded Son to the Hanwha Eagles in exchange for 300 million won ($204,000) and a third-round pick in the 2026 KBO rookie draft.

After changing uniforms with renewed determination, Son posted a batting average of .288 in 111 games last year, showing signs of a rebound. But ahead of this season, slugger Kang Baek-ho joined the Eagles, which limited Son’s role as a designated hitter. He spent most of the season in the minors before being traded again to the Doosan Bears on Tuesday.

Doosan Bears player Son Ah-seop [DOOSAN BEARS]

“I was on my way to the sauna like usual when I was notified about the trade,” Son told JoongAng Ilbo at Incheon, where the Bears were set to face the SSG Landers, on the day the trade was finalized. “I had to move straight from Seosan to Incheon, so I quickly packed my belongings and left.”

Rumors had already been circulating prior to the move.

“It’s true I received many calls since last weekend as talk of a trade spread,” Son said. “But since I hadn’t heard anything directly from the club, I just brushed it off as speculation.”

“On the drive to Incheon, I had a lot on my mind. I acknowledge reality. I’m getting older, and I can’t perform like I used to. Still, I want to prove that Doosan made the right choice,” Son added.

The Bears brought in Son primarily to strengthen their offense. As of Monday, the team ranked last in batting average at .230 and had the league's lowest OPS — on-base plus slugging — at .658. Key hitters have struggled to find their form.

Doosan Bears’ Yang Eui-ji hits a home run during a game against the Hanwha Eagles. [DOOSAN BEARS]

The lineup itself is not without talent. Free agent shortstop Park Chan-ho leads off, while veteran Yang Eui-ji anchors the middle. However, the connection between them has been weak. Young players like Kim Min-seok, who joined in 2023, and rookie Park Jun-soon have filled roles but remain inexperienced.

“There are many young players with great potential on this team,” Son said.
“I understand the club wants me to step up as a veteran and lead the lineup.”

“Doosan’s team color is ‘Hustle Doo,’ symbolizing grit. I believe no one can match me when it comes to hustle play,” Son said.

Son will wear No. 8 with the Bears, choosing a new number instead of his longtime No. 31. He referenced former Eagles teammate Noh Si-hwan when explaining the decision.

“The teammate who helped me the most during my time at Hanwha, Noh Si-hwan, wears No. 8,” Son said. “I also wanted to reflect my determination to make a completely fresh start.”

Fans cheer during a KBO Opening Day game between the KT Wiz and LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa District, southern Seoul, on March 28. [NEWS1]

Batting second as the designated hitter, he went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer to right-center in the top of the fourth inning, ending with two RBIs and two walks.

The Bears secured an 11-3 victory, snapping a two-game losing streak.

“I think a lot of emotions came out because I earned this opportunity the hard way,” Son said. “It reminds me that the place I belong is at the plate.”

“If I had to score myself today, I’d give 99 out of 100,” Son said.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KO BONG-JUN [[email protected]]