Seoul: Kia Tigers third baseman Kim Do-yeong, who captured the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) MVP title in 2024, is gearing up for a fresh start in 2026 following a challenging year marred by injuries. The 22-year-old, known for his explosive offensive performance, is eager to prove himself once again as he joins the national team for a training camp in Saipan ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim's 2025 season was cut short due to three separate hamstring injuries, limiting him to only 30 games out of 144, a significant drop from playing 141 games during his MVP season. Despite the setbacks, Kim is optimistic about his recovery, stating, "I think I am 100 percent healthy at the moment. I've been rehabbing and rebuilding my body since August." He emphasized his readiness to train with the national team and return to his regular form.
Kim acknowledged that recovering mentally was a significant challenge, but he is determined to bounce back from the previous season's disappointments. "It was a bit difficult to recover mentally," he admitted, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to train with the national team, despite his limited playtime in 2025.
The upcoming WBC presents a substantial platform for Kim, who has previously shone in international competitions like the World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier12 in 2024, where he recorded impressive statistics. Although major league scouts have shown interest, Kim remains focused on the team's performance over personal achievements. "When you play for the country, the team's performance is the most important thing, not individual statistics," he stated.
Kim's return is crucial for the Kia Tigers, who struggled in his absence, finishing eighth in the 2025 season. As he prepares for the new season, Kim indicated that he might initially exercise caution on the base paths but is committed to maintaining his aggressive playing style. "I am nothing without steals. So I won't try to play it safe," he declared, underscoring his dedication to fully resuming his role as a dynamic player.