Choi Ji-man, long hitting performance in two consecutive games… Will he join the MLB opening lineup?
Choi Ji-man (32), an invited player to the New York Mets’ spring camp,
succeeded in getting on base in three consecutive games and hitting extra-base hits in two consecutive games in the 2024 American Professional Baseball Major League (MLB) exhibition game,
increasing his chances of being selected for the opening game.
Ji-Man Choi started as the fifth hitter and first baseman in the exhibition game against the Houston Astros held at Cacti Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida on the 1st (Korean time) and played with 1 hit in 2 at-bats. 바카라사이트
Choi Ji-man
The exhibition game batting average rose to 0.333 (2 hits in 6 at-bats).
Choi Ji-man swung a fiery bat in his first at-bat in the top of the second inning.
Ji-Man Choi, who was at bat with one out, hit a double to right against Houston right-handed pitcher Onel Blanco.
In his second at-bat in the 4th inning, he was out due to a ground ball to second base,
and was replaced before defense in the bottom of the 5th.
Ji-Man Choi is showing extraordinary performance in his exhibition games this year.
He went 0-for-2, 1 hit, and 1 walk in his first exhibition game with the Houston Astros on the 26th of last month,
and played well with 1 hit in 2 at-bats, 1 home run, and 1 walk against the Miami Marlins on the 28th.
Usually, performance in exhibition games is not important.
However, for Choi Ji-man, the meaning is different.
Ji-Man Choi, who became a free agent at the end of last season,
signed a one-year split contract with the Mets last month.
The split contract has a structure in which the annual salary varies depending on MLB and minor league status,
and if you enter the MLB opening game, you can receive an annual salary of $3.5 million.
For Choi Ji-man, this exhibition match is an important stage where his survival depends on it.
Even though Choi Ji-man feels pressure, he is calmly doing his part.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Pirates’ multi-player Bae Ji-Hwan missed the exhibition game with the Baltimore Orioles.