KIA Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho announced his plan to widely use Yoon Do-hyun, who joined "Superstar" Kim Do-young, as a utility player.안전놀이터

Coach Lee Bum-ho said after the team's morning training at Keen Town Baseball Stadium in Okinawa, Japan on the 26th, "Yoon Do-hyun is the fourth player to start after the existing second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop," adding, "When the three players (Kim Do-young, Park Chan-ho, and Kim Sun-bin) have a time to rest or get injured, we intend to use Yoon Do-hyun as a starter."

Born in 2003, Yoon is a native of Gwangju who graduated from Gwangju Hwajeong Elementary School, Mudeung Middle School, and Gwangju Jeil High School. He was selected by Kia as the 15th pick in the second round of the 2022 KBO Rookie Draft, and became a successful Tigers kid.

Up until his amateur days, Yoon was recognized for his high potential as well as Kim Do-young, who joined the team. However, he had difficulty establishing himself in the first division due to frequent injuries.  

Yoon suffered a fractured metacarpal on his right hand during the exhibition game in 2022, and hamstring pain in the following year. He was away for a long time in April last year due to a fractured metacarpal on his left hand. After the end of the 2024 season, he underwent surgery to remove a gojing pin for the fractured metacarpal on his left hand, and made all-out efforts to prepare for the 2025 season. 

However, Yoon displayed impressive performance in the first team in a short period of time. He started as the second batter and third baseman at a home game against the Samsung Lions on Sept. 23, 2014, and posted three hits, one RBI and one run from four times at bat. He showed that his potential, which was mentioned as a rival of Kim Do-young in high school, is still in effect.

Yoon Do-hyun later continued to be given the opportunity until the end of the regular season, marking a batting average of 0.407 with one home run, eight RBIs and an on-base percentage of 0.593 in six games.   

Lee plans to have Yoon gain as much experience as possible in the first team of the 2025 season. Other players are more advantageous for the backup role in the latter half of the game, but he believes that Yoon is more appropriate for the role he trusts and entrusts to every game.

For this reason, head coach Lee Bum-ho ordered intensive training so that Yoon Do-hyun can play second, third and shortstop during KIA's first spring camp in Irvine, California.

Yoon also clenched his teeth not to miss the opportunity that he encountered. So far, Yoon cannot be said to be perfect, but analysts say that he can display defense capability that exceeds the basic level no matter where he is located in the infield except for the first base. 

Manager Lee Bum-ho said, "In terms of defense, Kim Kyu-sung and Hong Jong-pyo can be more detailed than Yoon Do-hyun," but added, "Yoon Do-hyun can be much better if he goes out to start and tries to play all four at-bats. I'm trying to do various things to make the fourth starting fielder (other than the main game)."

"I think Yoon Do-hyun needs to be able to see second basemen, third basemen, and shortstop in order to play the game," he added. "We need to play in all positions (in practice games) and check the movements to be used as starters when the main players are injured."