Can the Hanwha Eagles maintain their hold on first place?

The Hanwha Eagles currently lead the KBO league standings, having played 100 games this season with a record of 59 wins, 3 draws, and 38 losses (winning percentage: .608). Hot on their heels are the LG Twins, who are just behind with a winning percentage of .604 and no gap in games, giving Hanwha the narrowest of leads.

Although Hanwha widened the gap with the frontrunners by going on a winning streak at the start of the second half, LG soon caught up with remarkable momentum. The Lotte Giants, currently in third place, have also performed well after the break and have closed the gap to just four games. Compared to July 18, the first game day of the second half, LG has narrowed the distance by 4.5 games, and Lotte by 2.5. While Hanwha has pulled away from teams ranked fourth and fifth, both LG and Lotte continue to chase persistently.

Hanwha has six games left each against both Lotte and LG. The results of these matchups will likely determine whether Hanwha can fend off their rivals or be overtaken for the top spot. The complication lies in the fact that LG and Lotte are the only teams against whom Hanwha has a head-to-head disadvantage this season.

Hanwha’s record against LG this season is 4 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw in 10 games. Versus Lotte, they’ve posted 4 wins and 6 losses over 10 matchups. Hanwha has a favorable or even record against all other teams. If Hanwha continues its current form against the rest of the league, its final standing may hinge on how it fares against LG and Lotte.

Even if Hanwha manages to secure first place and advance directly to the Korean Series, statistical odds suggest LG is the team they’re most likely to face. While Lotte remains a possibility, Hanwha’s record suggests less of an advantage if that matchup materializes. Due to the unpredictable nature of the playoffs and potential pitching rotation matchups, Hanwha might still have an edge in starting pitching, but the shorter series format introduces more variables.

To minimize those variables, clinching a direct berth to the Korean Series is crucial. At the start of the second half, many projected Hanwha would hold onto first place comfortably, but now, depending on upcoming results, the lead could change hands within a matter of days.

To bolster their squad and keep their championship hopes alive, Hanwha acquired Son Ah-seop from the NC Dinos just ahead of the trade deadline on July 31, trading their 2026 third-round rookie draft pick and 300 million won in cash. This move, designed to strengthen their batting lineup, came at a cost, but underscores Hanwha’s resolve to defend its top ranking.

With LG and Lotte—the only two teams to hold a head-to-head edge over Hanwha this season—applying pressure with strong performances after the break, fan attention is locked on how the race for the top spot will unfold.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Shinhan SOL KBO League will resume at 6:30 p.m. on August 5 across five stadiums nationwide.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Hanwha Eagles, LG Twins