Nineteen-year-old Samsung Lions rookie Jang Chan-hee will take the mound for Game 4 of the 2026 Korean Series against the KT Wiz on November 7, marking the first time in 19 years a high school graduate rookie has started a game in the Korean Series.
The Stakes for the Lions
- Jang Chan-hee becomes the 12th high school rookie in KBO history to appear in a Korean Series game.
- Samsung manager Park Jin-man confirmed a “bullpen-heavy” strategy to support the rookie’s outing.
- The Lions are looking to extend their momentum, with captain Koo Ja-wook publicly backing the young pitcher’s mental fortitude.
A Historic Debut on the Mound
The KBO standings change on November 7 at the Samsung Lions Park in Daegu. When Jang Chan-hee takes the ball, he will be ending a nearly two-decade drought for rookie starters in the Korean Series. The previous appearances by Kim Kwang-hyun and Im Tae-hoon came in 2007. Jang, a 2026 draft pick out of Gyeongnam High School, has defied that trend after a breakout regular season where he posted a 4.50 ERA across 41 appearances, proving his worth as a critical bridge for a team chasing the top seed.
The Stoicism of a Rising Star
Manager Park Jin-man, who observed Jang’s development throughout the season, has been vocal about the rookie’s unique psychological edge. Park noted that while many young players show visible signs of nerves, Jang remains remarkably composed—often drawing comparisons to Oh Seung-hwan. According to reports from Xportsnews, Park remarked that even the “Stone Buddha” himself, Oh, would occasionally show a flush of color under pressure, whereas Jang’s expression remains entirely static.
| Player | Year of Series Debut | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Jeong Min-tae | 1992 | Binggrae Eagles |
| Lee Dae-jin | 1993 | Haitai Tigers |
| Kim Su-kyung | 1998 | Hyundai Unicorns |
| Ryu Hyun-jin | 2006 | Hanwha Eagles |
| Jang Chan-hee | 2026 | Samsung Lions |
Managing the Bullpen Load
Despite his composure, the coaching staff is not asking the 19-year-old to carry the entire load. Park Jin-man emphasized that while he hopes for length, the team is prepared to deploy a full-scale bullpen mobilization. The strategy is a direct response to the heavy lifting done by teammate Hurado, whose recent seven-inning performance provided much-needed rest for the relief corps.
LIVE: KT Wiz vs. Samsung Lions in Korean Series Game 4 The Daegu club will be looking to keep up the momentum from Game 3, which it won handily for a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven race for the title. Stay with us here for live updates: https://t.co/b3F9B1VTyw
Veteran Support in the Dugout
The transition from a high school prospect to a Game 4 starter is rarely a solo journey. Samsung captain Koo Ja-wook has voiced his support for the rookie. Koo described Jang as a player who is “thoroughly prepared” and possesses a mental toughness that belies his age. The message from the clubhouse is clear: trust the veteran core behind him and play with confidence.
Can a 19-year-old rookie, following high school starters who last took the mound in 2007, truly be the missing piece for the Lions? The answer will be determined in the early afternoon heat of Daegu.
