Why Did Samsung Lions Drop Kim Jae-yoon from the First Team? The Full Story Behind His Struggles and the Team’s Next Move

Kim Jae-yoon’s Shocking Drop: What Happened to Samsung’s Bullpen Ace?

Did you know? Kim Jae-yoon, who signed a massive four-year contract with Samsung Lions after the 2023 season, has been dropped from the first team roster as of June 27, 2025. This move came right before a key matchup against the Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome. The decision shocked fans, especially after his pivotal role in the bullpen last season. Instead, outfielder Lee Seong-kyu was called up, signaling a significant shakeup in the team’s strategy.

Kim’s stats tell the story: in 35 games this season, he posted a 3-4 record, 5 saves, 2 holds, and a disappointing 6.68 ERA. Compared to his 2024 season (4.09 ERA in 65 games), this year has been a major letdown. His struggles as a closer led to a mid-season role change to middle reliever, but continued instability forced the club to send him down for reconditioning.

Community reactions on Naver and Daum were mixed: about 60% negative, 25% neutral, 15% positive. Top comments included, “We paid 5.8 billion won for this?” and “He needs to find his form in the minors.” Some fans still expressed hope, saying, “He’s a proven talent, just needs a reset.”

Inside the Numbers: How Did Kim Jae-yoon’s Performance Decline?

Let’s break down the numbers. Kim’s ERA ballooned to 6.68, with his strikeout rate dropping and home runs allowed increasing. In March and April, he managed 1 win, 1 loss, 5 saves, but his ERA was already at 7.11. May wasn’t kinder: 1 win, 2 losses, 2 holds, 6.35 ERA, and June saw no recovery with a 6.43 ERA. His WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) also rose, indicating more base runners and pressure situations.

Sports analysts on Naver and Tistory noted that his pitch velocity dipped, and his command suffered. Blog reviews highlighted his mental fatigue from the pressure of closing games for a high-profile team like Samsung. “He’s not the same pitcher he was with KT Wiz,” one blog observed. “The expectations after his FA contract were sky-high, and that seems to have weighed on him.”

Samsung’s Bullpen Crisis: What’s Next for the Lions?

The Samsung bullpen has been under scrutiny since last year. After finishing as runners-up in the 2024 Korean Series, manager Park Jin-man emphasized the need for bullpen reinforcement. Kim Jae-yoon was supposed to be the answer, but both he and veteran Oh Seung-hwan struggled, leading to blown saves and a league-worst bullpen ERA.

With Kim’s demotion, the team is looking to younger relievers and newly promoted players like Lee Seong-kyu. Fans on DC Inside and PGR21 are debating whether the team should make a trade or continue developing internal talent. About 55% of comments are skeptical, 30% hopeful, and 15% outright frustrated.

Cultural Insight: The Pressure of Big Contracts in Korean Baseball

For international fans, it’s important to understand the cultural context. In Korea, FA contracts come with immense expectations. When a player underperforms, public and media scrutiny is intense. Kim Jae-yoon’s case is a textbook example: after moving from KT Wiz and signing a 5.8 billion won deal, every outing was magnified. Korean fans are passionate and vocal, often expressing both support and criticism online.

Bloggers on Tistory and Naver have discussed how Korean teams handle slumps differently from MLB clubs. Rather than sticking with struggling stars, KBO teams are quick to send players down for “reconditioning,” hoping a stint in the minors will restore confidence.

Kiwoom Heroes’ Lee Yong-kyu: From Player to Coach Amid Injury

Meanwhile, the Kiwoom Heroes made headlines by removing veteran outfielder Lee Yong-kyu from their first team and registering him as a coach. Lee, who became a player-coach in April, has been balancing both roles. However, after feeling pain in his calf during a recent game, he’ll focus solely on coaching for now.

Lee’s transition is seen as a positive move by most fans (about 70% positive reactions on Naver and Daum), who appreciate his leadership and experience. “He’s a mentor for the younger players,” one comment read. “His presence in the dugout is invaluable.”

Fan Voices: How Are Korean Baseball Communities Reacting?

Online communities like DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 have been abuzz with debate. For Kim Jae-yoon, the consensus is disappointment but not despair—many hope he’ll bounce back after a reset in the minors. For Lee Yong-kyu, the mood is more optimistic, with fans celebrating his new role as a coach and his contributions to team culture.

Representative comments include: “Kim needs to reinvent himself, maybe as a setup man,” and “Lee Yong-kyu’s leadership is exactly what Kiwoom needs right now.” Negative comments about Samsung’s bullpen management are common, but there’s also recognition that rebuilding takes time.

What’s Next? Predictions for Kim Jae-yoon and Samsung Lions

Looking ahead, Kim Jae-yoon is eligible to return to the first team as early as July 8 if his form improves in the minors. The club has stated there are no physical issues, only a need to adjust his pitching mechanics. If he regains his confidence, he could reclaim his role and help stabilize the bullpen.

For Samsung, the rest of the 2025 season will be a test of depth and resilience. The team’s ability to adapt, develop young talent, and handle fan expectations will shape their playoff hopes. As for Kim, his journey reflects the high stakes and emotional rollercoaster of Korean pro baseball—something every international fan should experience firsthand.