Seoul: After the conclusion of the 2024 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) season, LG Twins first baseman Austin Dean returned home with mixed feelings despite his personal achievements. Dean garnered several individual accolades, including his second consecutive Golden Glove and his first KBO Fielding Award. He also led the league in RBIs with a franchise-record 132. However, the sting of the Twins' failed Korean Series title defense left a "bitter taste" in his mouth.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Dean's determination to prioritize team success over personal accolades remains steadfast as he embarks on his third KBO season in 2025. "Winning the Golden Glove and the defensive award last year was awesome. I'm super proud of the accomplishment. But for me, it just left a bitter taste in my mouth for us to not to get to the Korean Series," Dean shared before a game against the SSG Landers at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Reflecting on the previous season, Dean admitted his disappointment over the team's performance against the Samsung Lions, which resulted in a four-game defeat in the postseason's second round.
Dean's struggles were evident in the series loss, as he managed only one hit in 15 at-bats after performing well in the regular season. This year, Dean uses the defeat as motivation, drawing from past experiences where he turned negative situations into fuel for improvement. Initially drafted as an outfielder by the Miami Marlins in 2012, Dean has adapted to playing first base in the KBO, crediting the Twins' fielding coach, Kim Il-kyoung, for his development.
Dean's commitment to excellence extends to his defensive play. He expressed pride in his fielding abilities, acknowledging his surprise at winning the 2024 KBO Fielding Award. His goal was to ensure he played all nine innings, a target he achieved last season. This year, he rarely leaves the field unless games are decisively won or lost.
Dean's performance this season has been impressive, ranking second in home runs, third in RBIs, and maintaining high slugging percentages. Despite his individual success, Dean emphasizes the importance of the Twins securing the championship in October. With the team currently leading the standings at 40-26-1, thanks to contributions from young players stepping up for injured veterans, Dean is optimistic about the future.
"Right now, we've got a lot of young guys on the field and a lot of them don't have the experience that most of us do on the field. This is their time to step up and just prove why they should be out there," Dean commented. He recognizes the value of growth through experience and looks forward to the potential of the team's emerging talents.