Na Sung-bum Embraces Defining Season as Kia Tigers Look Ahead to 2026

By Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius) ||

As the spiritual leader and captain of the Kia Tigers, Na Sung-bum enters the 2026 season with a sense of resolve stronger than ever. Over the past several years, the club’s marquee hitter has struggled to stay healthy, with recurring injuries preventing him from consistently displaying his full potential. Rather than diminishing his role, that frustration has sharpened his determination to deliver for the team.

Na’s six-year free-agent contract, worth 15 billion won, is now two-thirds complete and set to expire after the 2027 season. From a purely statistical standpoint, his performance has fallen short of expectations, with the notable exception of 2022, when he played all 144 games, hit .320, and recorded 21 home runs and 97 RBIs. Since 2023, however, hamstring and calf injuries have gradually pushed him out of the spotlight.

“With the introduction of Asian player slots and the arrival of Japanese pitchers, the level of competition will only rise.”

The 2025 season was particularly difficult. Limited by a lingering calf injury, Na appeared in only 82 games, posting a .268 batting average with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs. His WAR (wins above replacement) dropped to 2.07, and his once league-leading OPS (on base plus slugging) declined to .825. A visible loss of lower-body balance affected both his offense and defense, underscoring how much his game depends on physical stability.

“It feels like I joined Kia just the other day, but suddenly four years have passed,” Na said during spring training. “I really want to perform well this year and keep it going. Honestly, I don’t want to hear comments about age – that I’m struggling because I’m getting older. I need to find my form again. It’s not that I haven’t been focused; I just feel my performance has been average, and I want to prove I can do better.”

“During the preseason, Na made it clear that he wants to return to regular defensive duties.”

That desire has translated into concrete goals. During the preseason, Na made it clear that he wants to return to regular defensive duties. “The moment I can’t play defense anymore, retirement isn’t far off,” he said. Rather than settling into a designated hitter role, he has set his sights on playing more than 120 games as a full-time right fielder. To support that ambition, he focused on improving his physical condition in the offseason, incorporating Pilates to increase flexibility and shedding three kilograms.

Manager Lee Bum-ho has indicated that Na will primarily be used as a designated hitter this season, a plan Na has publicly accepted with gratitude. At the same time, he acknowledged concerns that transitioning away from defense could disrupt his rhythm. While he understands the team’s needs and respects the coaching staff ’s decision, Na remains intent on demonstrating that he can still contribute defensively when called upon.

The challenge ahead extends beyond individual roles. “All winter, I spent a lot of time reflecting

and organizing my thoughts,” Na said. “Every team feels stronger than last season. With the introduction of Asian player slots and the arrival of Japanese pitchers, the level of competition will only rise. That should make the league more exciting for fans. This season will feel like a completely new experience, and I hope it’s better than the last.”

As captain, Na has also taken on the responsibility of integrating new faces into the clubhouse. He expressed high expectations for Jarryd Dale and Harold Castro, both of whom joined the Tigers recently. “They’re both pretty quiet,” he noted. “I’m not naturally someone who talks a lot either, but I try to start conversations so they can settle in faster. They haven’t built strong connections with the team yet, so helping them adjust is part of my job.”

Na’s return to form is widely seen as pivotal for Kia. While other players are expected to fill the void left by veterans such as Choi Hyung-woo and Park Chan-ho, Na himself must shoulder much of the responsibility previously carried by Choi. Judging by the team’s preparation and Na’s renewed commitment, the Tigers believe they are moving in the right direction.

For Na Sung-bum, the 2026 season is not simply another year on the schedule. It is a defining chapter – one in which health, leadership, and legacy converge as he seeks to reaffirm his place at the heart of the Kia Tigers.

The Author

Zhang Jiuzhou (Julius) is from Harbin, China. He began writing in 2022 and has contributed to the Chinese media in Gwangju. Julius currently serves at a sports data company and is pursuing a master’s degree in media and communications. He is also responsible for the Chinese Students Association at Chonnam National University.

Cover Photo: Na Sung-bum during spring training. (Kia Tigers)