Two rookie picks for a 20-homer infielder…NC’s trade inflation? It was that desperate.

Trading was born out of practical concerns. However, the trade was resented by the trade market. But the NC Dinos were desperate enough to make the move, and it’s proving to be the right move.

NC Dinos infielder Kim Hwijip (22) has been showing off his long-hitting instincts since the trade. On May 30, NC gave up a first-round pick and a third-round pick in the 2025 Rookie Draft to acquire Kim. It was the first two-draft pick trade since the draft was allowed.

Kim was a promising infielder who was selected with the ninth pick in the second round of the 2021 First-Year Player Draft. As he was given opportunities in his rookie season, he was expected to be the next big shortstop in the Heroes’ shortstop lineage after Kim Ha-seong (San Diego Padres).

At least until last year, Kim was considered a “no-sale” player. But not this year. Rookies Go-Young-woo and Lee Jae-sang were quickly establishing themselves and needed to be given experience. There’s no reason to be sorry for Kim Hwijip.

NC, on the other hand, had a solid infield but lacked overall depth. The lineup of Park Min-woo at second base, Seo Ho-cheol at third base, and Kim Joo-won at shortstop was solid, but they lacked players to back them up. They had an infield of Do Tae-hoon, Kim Han-byul, Kim Soo-yoon, and others, but they were thirsty for a starter.

NC had been eyeing Kim since last year. Manager Kang Kwon-hyun was impressed. In the end, they gave up two rookie designations this year to bring Kim to the team. The thirst added to the desperation. Second baseman Park Min-woo has been struggling with shoulder pain management issues and is unable to play regularly. Third baseman Seo Ho-rae also had his ups and downs. Most importantly, Kim Joo-won, who hit double-digit home runs for the 파워볼실시간 second straight year, has grown. It was necessary to spur him on and open up the competition. That’s why they turned to Kim Hwijip.

However, at the time of the trade, there were questions about whether Kim’s market value was worth the two first- and third-round rookie picks. It was a decision that NC had to think about, but the trade was viewed by the trade market with question marks. You could say that this trade fueled market inflation. It’s not for nothing that the value of Kiwoom closer Cho Sang-woo on the trade market was higher because of the Kim Hwijip trade.

Still, the trade may need to be blown off the shelf. And this season could make or break the trade. In 36 games in an NC uniform, Kim is batting 2-for-46 with 30 runs (122 at-bats), seven home runs, 19 RBIs, and a .780 OPS. Combined with his numbers from his upbringing, Kim is batting .236 (70-for-296) with 12 home runs, 44 RBI, and a .720 OPS in 87 games. He surpassed double-digit home runs for the first time since his debut.

On April 21 against Suwon KT, he hit two home runs to lead the team to an 8-2 victory. It was his first multi-homer game since his debut. Since joining the NC, Kim has been proving his worth day by day.

She is already on pace to break the record for most home runs in a season, and at her current pace, she could hit 19. With consistent opportunities and momentum, he could reach 20 homers. The value of a 20-homer infielder, especially one who can play shortstop, is self-explanatory. And Kim is showing little by little that he’s worth the two rookie picks that were given up for him.