Lee Jun Gi's Inspiring Comeback: From Hanwha Release to SSG Landers Starting Pitcher

SSG Landers pitcher Lee Jun Gi is making an inspiring comeback in the KBO League, emerging as a starting pitcher candidate after being released by the Hanwha Eagles and spending two years in independent leagues. Once an unfamiliar name to even SSG's first-team players just months ago, he now throws a fastball up to 146 km/h and has earned a chance in the first-team rotation. This represents a remarkable turnaround considering his journey after being released by Hanwha at the end of the 2023 season and persevering in the independent league for two years.

Lee Jun Gi joined Hanwha in 2021 but never played in the first team and was released in 2023. He then spent two years in independent leagues, playing for Seongnam Magpies and Hwaseong Coriyo, where he refined his pitching mechanics. SSG Landers recognized his potential and signed him as a developmental player in September 2025. He demonstrated stability in the Futures League with a 4-5 record and a 2.66 ERA over 17 games. Through training in Japan, he increased his fastball velocity to 146 km/h. He made his first-team starting debut on September 11 against KIA in Gwangju, recording 5 strikeouts in 3 innings.

Bloggers are deeply moved by pitcher Lee Jun Gi's unwavering passion and growth story. They regard his journey—overcoming the challenges of being released by Hanwha and spending two years in independent leagues to return to professional baseball and become a first-team starter—as one of the most inspiring stories of the current season. With the trust of manager Lee Soong-yong, he is expected to receive more opportunities in the remaining games and is seen as a promising talent who, along with Lee Ro-un and Kim Min-jun, will lead the generational change in the SSG Landers pitching staff.