On the surface, Choi Jeong, veteran slugger for the SSG Landers, is enjoying his typically productive season. The career leader in Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) history with 537 home runs, Choi has belted a team-leading 19 homers in 68 games so far in 2026, while driving in 54 runs. He is one dinger away from becoming the first player in league history to hit 20 or more homers in 11 consecutive seasons. At 39, Choi remains one of the most feared mashers in the KBO. However, Choi admits he feels as if he has not helped his team much this year. That feeling of worthlessness, Choi explained Tuesday after a 4-2 win over the Doosan Bears in Seoul, stems from the fact that he has been largely confined to designated hitter (DH) duties. Injuries have kept him from playing third base as often as he would like. “This really feels weird, something I have never experienced before,” Choi told reporters after launching a two-run homer in the victory at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. “Personally, whenever we lose games when I only play as DH, I feel like I offer absolutely zero help and I am the reason
