The 2024 season of the Samsung Lions began with a slump in foreign hitters.

David McKinnon and Ruben Cardinez struggled for the team as they failed to meet expectations. In this dark atmosphere, Lewin Diaz, the last named player, emerged as the team's newfound hope.

It was a time when questions were raised about whether foreign batter performances, which remained at the bottom of the league, could be recovered.안전놀이터

Diaz's performance during the regular season was not that impressive. He had seven homers, a batting average of 0.282 and an OPS of 0.849 in 29 games, putting Samsung at the bottom of the league as a foreign hitter. Notably, his batting average of 0.188 in scoring position put considerable pressure on his team.

However, the postseason was his complete transformation. Starting with a two-run homer in the first playoff game against the LG Twins, he made four hits in four at-bats for two homers in the second playoff game.

In the Korean Series, he also contributed decisively to the team's victory with four hits in Game 2 against the KIA Tigers and two-run shots in Game 5.

During nine postseason games, Diaz displayed overwhelming presence with five home runs and 10 RBIs, a batting average of 0.353 and an OPS of 1.202. He displayed his full potential by recording home runs not only at Lions Park but also at away stadiums.

In recognition of Diaz's outstanding performance, Samsung renewed his contract for a total of 800,000 U.S. dollars (down payment of 100,000 dollars, annual salary of 500,000 dollars, incentive of 200,000 dollars). Despite joining the team in a hurry in the middle of the season, Diaz has displayed remarkable performance on the stage under high pressure, drawing attention as a key resource for Samsung in the 2025 season.

In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that Samsung's performance in the 2025 season will depend on Lewin Diaz's shoulders. Having completely upset the worst foreign hitter record of the past, Diaz has now opened up an opportunity for his team to turn around. With his solid preparation and perfect adaptation to the Korean league, Samsung fans can expect Diaz to perform even better.

Lewin Diaz, who revealed his potential through the postseason, is drawing keen attention from fans of Samsung. Attention is focusing on whether he can be reborn as a key player who will take responsibility for the future of his team beyond just a foreign player. Diaz's growth potential is expected to be a new hope for the Samsung Lions.