Choi Won-jun
Overview
Choi Won-jun (born July 29, 1994) is a South Korean professional baseball player who plays as an infielder and outfielder for the Doosan Bears in the KBO League. His primary positions are second base and third base, and he is known as a multi-player who also appears in the outfield depending on the situation. After being selected by the Doosan Bears in the second round of the 2013 rookie draft, he steadily developed and established himself as a key player for the team. Notably, he played a crucial role in the team's victory in the 2019 Korean Series, and has since earned fans' love with his stable defense and clutch abilities.
Main Content
1. Playing Career
1.1 High School Years
Choi Won-jun graduated from Gyeonggi High School and was recognized as a promising baseball prospect. During his high school years, he mainly played shortstop and third base, standing out in defense with a strong shoulder and quick feet. In batting, he was evaluated as a contact hitter with precise hitting ability rather than power. In the 2013 rookie draft, he was selected by the Doosan Bears in the second round (7th overall) and entered professional baseball.
1.2 Early Professional Years (2013–2016)
In his first year, 2013, he was not called up to the first team and mainly played in the Futures League. In 2014, he appeared in 7 first-team games and recorded his first hit, but did not make a significant impact. In 2015, he enlisted in the Police Baseball Team to resolve his military service issue and served with the Sangmu team until 2017. During his military service, he steadily honed his skills and returned to Doosan after discharge.
1.3 Rise to Starter (2017–2019)
After his discharge in 2017, Choi began to receive opportunities in the first team in earnest. In 2018, he played over 100 games alternating between second base and third base, recording a batting average of 0.280, 4 home runs, and 35 RBIs, proving his potential. 2019 was a turning point in his career. He secured the starting second baseman role early in the season and posted a regular-season batting average of 0.282, 8 home runs, and 52 RBIs. He particularly showed strength in autumn baseball, delivering clutch hits and excellent defense against the Kiwoom Heroes in the 2019 Korean Series, greatly contributing to the team's integrated championship. Although he was not the Korean Series MVP, he left a strong impression on fans.
1.4 Prime and Free Agency (2020–2023)
In the 2020 season, Choi achieved his first .300 batting average (0.305) with 7 home runs and 53 RBIs, growing into a top-tier second baseman in the league. In 2021, he continued his consistent performance with a batting average of 0.289, 10 home runs, and 60 RBIs, and also showed stable defense, earning consideration for the Golden Glove award. After the 2022 season, Choi became a free agent and signed a 4-year, 4.2 billion won contract with the Doosan Bears, choosing to remain with the team. This was a recognition of his value as a core player. In the 2023 season, he slowed down somewhat due to injuries, but still played an important role for the team after returning.
1.5 Recent Years (2024–Present)
In the 2024 season, Choi mainly alternated between second base and third base, taking charge of the team's infield. He struggled with hitting early in the season but recovered his batting form in the second half, recording a season batting average of 0.275, 9 home runs, and 55 RBIs. Notably, in August 2024, he posted a weekly batting average of 0.450 and was named the Weekly MVP. He continued to show stable defense, contributing to the team's postseason push. Heading into the 2025 season, he is expected to take on a leadership role under a new managerial system.
2. Playing Style
Choi Won-jun is classified as a table-setter type hitter based on precise hitting and quick feet. He has excellent contact ability, resulting in a low strikeout rate, and possesses good plate discipline to draw walks. His power is above average, with good double production and the potential for 10–15 home runs depending on the situation. Defensively, as a multi-player capable of handling both second base and third base, his strengths include a wide defensive range and strong arm for throws. He also has good baserunning instincts, leading to a high stolen base success rate. Weaknesses include a tendency for prolonged hitting slumps and somewhat underwhelming ability to handle fastballs.
3. Major Records and Awards
- 2019 Korean Series Champion (Doosan Bears)
- 2020 Batting Average 0.305 (Personal Best)
- 2021 10 Home Runs, 60 RBIs (Personal Best Home Runs and RBIs)
- 2022 Free Agent Contract (4 years, 4.2 billion won)
- August 2024 Weekly MVP Selection
4. Personal Life and Episodes
Choi Won-jun is known within the team for his quiet and diligent personality. He is evaluated as a role model for younger players and is active in fan service. His uniform number 13 is familiar to Doosan Bears fans, further etched in memory by his performance in the 2019 Korean Series. Outside of baseball, he enjoys reading and listening to music, and is known for being thorough in self-management even during the season.
Latest Trends
Ahead of the 2025 season, Choi Won-jun is working on correcting his batting mechanics with a new hitting coach during spring training. He is particularly focusing on improving his ability to handle breaking balls and has maintained good condition since early in the season. The Doosan Bears competed for a postseason spot until the late stages of the 2024 season but unfortunately fell short, aiming for better results in 2025. Although not the team captain, Choi is tasked with leading the young infielders as a veteran player. Additionally, 2025 marks the third year of his free agent contract, making it a crucial season for his future. Across the KBO League, new regulations such as the pitch clock are being introduced starting in 2025, requiring players to adapt, and Choi is also preparing accordingly.
Related Topics
- [[Doosan Bears]]
- [[KBO League]]
- [[Korean Series]]