It took some time before the contract was announced, but the result was as expected. "Staying at Hanwha was my top priority anyway," Jang told this newspaper. "The decision was not delayed due to the difference in price. As it was my first free agent, I wanted to be cautious." "I wanted to continue playing baseball at Hanwha, which is my home, Daejeon Stadium. I want to finish my career at Hanwha."
Jang suffered from poor performance last year ahead of his return to the FA. He posted an ERA of 3.55 in 32 games in 2022, but posted an ERA of 4.83 in 25 games last year. He was slow in ball speed, but his "survival method" that he used to pitch well with his strong ball control and high folk ball speed did not work. "I just didn't do well," he said. "If I had to say the reason for my sluggish performance, I managed to survive by changing my pitching style every year. However, it was time to change last year, but I stuck to my conventional style. That's why it got harder after the middle of the season."
Hanwha saw hope last year. It recruited a number of FA players, including Chae Eun-sung, and younger players started to stand out. It ranked ninth in the final rank of the regular season, but competed in the middle rank for the first time since 2018. It also seeks to secure its emergency by recruiting An Chi-hong as a free agent, Kim Kang-min as the second free agent, and Lee Jae-won as the second free agent this season.
"The mood of the team changed last year. Even if we lose, we persevere, and if we do a little more, we can win unconditionally," Jang said. "We have added more veterans who have won the championship. Now, I think our team has found a foundation to be able to rise to a high enough position and show good results. I think we can really make something happen this year."
The winter season of the Hanwha Eagles is not over yet. The destination of the "monster" Ryu Hyun-jin has yet to be decided. If he chooses to return to the Hanwha Eagles, he could instantly increase the possibility of an autumn baseball game. Jang Min-jae is his best friend. He will depart for Okinawa, Japan, on Saturday and engage in individual training with Ryu.
"Hyun-jin doesn't really make it obvious on the outside when there are issues like this," Jang said with a smile. "I don't know where I'll go either," he said. "I jokingly said he would let Hyun-jin return to Hanwha. However, I hope he gets treated as well as possible and goes to a place where he can play baseball well. I just want to talk to him that I want to be with him someday."
Jang is highly likely to play as a long relief or swingman this year. "I know where and how to throw the ball," he said. "Coach Choi Won-ho also said, 'Let's work hard in the camp and get good results.' My goal is to throw balls to help the team."