▲ Han Tae-yang ⓒLotte Giants
[Spotv News = Park Seung-hwan] “I want to stay on the first team until the end of the season.”
Han Tae-yang, renowned for his defensive prowess since high school, was drafted by the Lotte Giants as the 54th overall pick in the 6th round of the 2022 rookie draft. In his inaugural season with Lotte, he showed promise in the Futures League, hitting .285 with an OPS of .783 in 45 games. However, the jump to the first team proved challenging. In his 38-game debut at the top level, he struggled with a .148 batting average and a .399 OPS.
Recognizing the need for development, Lotte and Han quickly addressed his military service obligation. Han enlisted with the Sangmu team the following year. Upon his return to the first team last season, Han was a transformed player. He appeared in 108 games, slashing .274/.745 with 63 hits, 2 home runs, 22 RBIs, and 42 runs scored, marking a breakout season.
While the sophomore slump is a common concern for many players, Han has shown marked improvement both defensively and offensively. His versatility in the infield, capable of playing all positions except first base, has made him the Giants’ top utility backup. Han is now grinding it out at spring training in Tainan, Taiwan, aiming to cement his place on the first team roster.
When asked about his experience at the first team spring camp, Han, speaking from Tainan, said, “My condition is gradually improving, and I’m enjoying the hard work. I wasn’t familiar with the camp when it was held in Chiba, Japan, but I think this spring camp will be more challenging.”
He added, “Last year, joining after completing my military service, it took time to adapt, and everything felt unfamiliar. This year, I feel more at ease since I’ve built friendships with my teammates.”
▲ Han Tae-yang ⓒLotte Giants
▲ Han Tae-yang
Reflecting on last season, Han’s journey was one of perseverance. He saw limited playing time early on but caught fire in June, hitting .316. His hot streak continued into July with a .303 average, earning him more starts. However, his performance dipped in August, leading to a somewhat disappointing finish.
Han explained, “I didn’t get many opportunities early in the season, but when I finally did, I noticed my stamina dropping as I played more regularly. This affected my performance, which was frustrating. However, the manager’s continued faith motivated me to improve. The consistent practice during my military service really boosted my confidence at the plate.”
Han’s current position puts him on the cusp of a starting role, highlighting both the team’s thin infield depth and his potential as a starter, which he demonstrated last year. He’s focused on capitalizing on any opportunity that comes his way. “Consistent hard work in my current role will create opportunities,” Han emphasized. “I need to put in the effort to seize those chances when they come.”
Having grown from a devoted fan to a key player for the Lotte Giants, Han expressed his gratitude: “As a fan, I didn’t fully grasp it, but now as a player, I truly appreciate the extra support and love we receive compared to other teams.” He concluded, “I don’t typically set specific individual goals. My main objective is to maintain my spot on the first team roster from Opening Day through the end of the season.”
▲ Han Tae-yang ⓒKwak Hye-mi Reporter
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