Despite accumulating 208 hits, KT Wiz's Choi Won-jun narrowly missed the batting title, losing to Victor Reyes of the Lotte Giants just two days prior. Undeterred, Choi is now vying for personal accolades, with his teammate Sam Hilliard emerging as a formidable contender following their regular season victory.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) unveiled the list of nominees for the MVP of September and October 2026. From KT, Choi Won-jun and Hilliard were highlighted among hitters, while pitchers included KT's Daniel Davis, Pedro Avila from SSG Landers, and Jo Byeong-hyun.
Choi Won-jun led four categories during September and October: batting average (.413), hits (57), runs (35), and on-base percentage (.497). Hilliard, however, was not far behind, sweeping the home run and RBI titles during the same period.
Interestingly, KT produced half of the total MVP candidates, showcasing the depth of talent in their roster. This includes Choi, Hilliard, and Daniel, whose performances have now set the stage for an internal competition for individual awards.
208 Hits But Reyes Claimed the Title on the Season's Final Day
The MVP nomination extends Choi Won-jun’s intense competition for the most hits, a race that concluded dramatically at the end of the regular season. On October 6th, against Kiwoom Heroes, Choi recorded his 200th hit of the season, becoming only the third player in KBO history to reach this milestone.
Choi had been leading the hit tally over Reyes until the final games. In September and October alone, he produced 57 hits, nine more than Reyes, who was second during that span.
Yet, the title for the most hits switched hands in the last game. On October 12th, Reyes managed four hits against Doosan Bears, bringing his season total to 211, while Choi finished the season with 208.
The difference of just three hits meant that despite his historic achievement, Choi did not clinch the most hits title.
Third KBO Player to Hit 200 in a Season, Yet Without a Title
Hitting 200 in a single season is an exceptional feat in the KBO, achieved by only Seo Geon-chang, Reyes, and now Choi. It’s a rare milestone that many have aspired to but few have reached.
Reyes, who set a previous record of 202 hits in 2024, surpassed his own mark this year. Choi’s efforts placed him among the elite, but the final flourish from Reyes ensured the latter kept the season’s top hitter title.
Post-match, Reyes acknowledged Choi’s formidable challenge, expressing his respect and highlighting the competitive spirit that drove both to excel.
Choi Dominated in September and October with a .413 Average
While Reyes took the season-long title, Choi’s performance in the last two months was particularly noteworthy. He led in several key batting metrics, underpinning KT’s push for the regular season championship.
His on-base percentage nearing 50% during this period highlights his consistency in getting on base, catalyzing many of KT’s scoring opportunities.
KT’s Regular Season Triumph: 90 Wins and a Dominant Finish
KT topped the regular season with a record of 90 wins, 49 losses, and 5 draws, a clear 8 games ahead of second-place Samsung Lions. Their dominance was particularly evident in the final 32 games, where they secured 24 wins.
This collective success is a testament to contributions from players like Choi and Hilliard, as well as mid-season addition Daniel Davis, who bolstered the pitching staff.
But the Strongest Rival Is in the Same Team… Hilliard's 14 Home Runs and 40 RBIs
While Choi impresses with precision hitting and on-base skills, Hilliard counters with power, leading the league in home runs and RBIs during the last two months.
His ability to drive in runs was crucial for KT, contributing significantly to the team’s scoring surge late in the season.
Hilliard’s Late-Season Surge: Grand Slam and Back-to-Back Home Runs
Hilliard’s form peaked in a game against Samsung Lions, where he hit a grand slam, followed by two consecutive home runs in the next game against the same team, showcasing his peak power hitting.
Overall, Hilliard ended the season with 44 home runs and 139 RBIs, securing the lead in RBIs and nearly topping the home run charts.
Another KT Contender, Daniel Davis… 54 Strikeouts in 39 Innings
Davis, another key player for KT, made a significant impact after joining mid-season, quickly becoming a mainstay in the starting rotation with a strong strikeout record.
SSG’s Avila and Jo: Dominant Pitching Stretches
While KT players stand out, SSG’s Pedro Avila and Jo Byeong-hyun also shone in their roles, with Avila delivering complete games and Jo securing saves without allowing runs.
Kiwoom’s Davidson Strikes Back with a Slugging Percentage of .806
Competing against KT’s duo, Kiwoom’s Matt Davidson made a significant impact with 12 home runs in just 23 games, showcasing his power during a late-season surge.
Choi’s Four Titles, Hilliard’s Two... Who Decides the MVP?
The MVP will be decided through a combination of fan votes and baseball journalists’ votes. While Choi boasts leading four major batting categories, his teammates and rivals present strong cases in their respective areas.
After Missing Most Hits, Can Choi Smile with the Last Individual Award?
For Choi, the 2026 season was monumental, contributing significantly to KT’s success but narrowly missing the most hits title. The upcoming MVP award presents another chance to honor his exceptional performances.
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