Seoul: After a stellar debut year in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) in 2024, Kia Tigers' ace James Naile is not resting on his laurels. According to Yonhap News Agency, Naile, who led the KBO with a 2.53 ERA last season, is making strategic adjustments to his pitching technique. Instead of relying solely on the sweeper that brought him success, Naile has altered his grip on his sinker and is using it in conjunction with his changeup. This change has been effective, as Naile has not allowed a run in 18 innings across three starts this season. Naile shared insights into his revised approach during an interview in Seoul, explaining the shift to a "one-seam fastball." He acknowledged that while his strikeout rate has slightly decreased, his walk rate is also down, and he is inducing more ground balls. Naile credits the improvement in his sinker-changeup combination for his current success, as KBO hitters have become more adept at anticipating his sweeper. Beyond physical adjustments, Naile's mental game has also benefited from increased familiarity with the league and his surroundings. He noted that less stress and a consistent routine have contributed to his enjoyment and performance this year. Despite the Tigers' challenges, including injuries to key players like Kim Do-yeong, Park Chan-ho, and Kim Sun-bin, Naile remains optimistic about the team's prospects. Naile emphasizes the importance of a collective team effort, advocating for clean play across all areas, from pitching to defense. Reflecting on last year's championship run, he hopes the team maintains a focus on daily performance rather than win totals, believing this mindset will lead to continued success.