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This year’s first series between the Kia Tigers and Samsung Lions is set to begin Friday morning at 5:30 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The Tigers came out of their series against the Kiwoom Heroes with a 1-2 record while the Lions are looking for their first win of the season after being swept by the NC Dinos. DraftKings will have a Showdown contest available for the matchup, and we break down some of the best picks in the field.
Captain’s Picks
Drew Gagnon, SP, Kia Tigers: $13,500
The Lions are averaging less than five hits per game, so it’s obvious that they haven’t played well at the plate. Gagnon is one of the highest paid players in the KBO and pitched in the majors as recently as last season. Five of the top 10 players in strikeouts per inning spent time in MLB, and Gagnon has a good shot at keeping this trend going — even if he didn’t have a ton of success in America.
Sun Bin Kim, SS, Kia Tigers: $9,600
Kim is averaging 11.7 DKFP per game, which is second to only Hyung Woo Choi’s mark of 12.6. Kim is batting .556 and has been able to get on base consistently by getting walked when he’s in the batter’s box as well. Kim has an edge over Choi because the Lions’ starter is a lefty.
Utility Picks
Dong Yeop Kim, OF, Samsung Lions: $4,600
Kim has accounted for five of his team’s 13 hits this season and has been one of the few bright spots for the Lions at the plate. He’s notched a hit in each of his three games and leads the Lions in DKFP per game (9.7). The DH appears poised to stay hot at the plate.
Ja Wook Koo, 1B/OF, Samsung Lions: $10,200
Koo was second in home runs (15) for the Lions last year but has yet to get much going this year. The outfielder has potential to come up big if he’s able to showcase his power. He got his first hit of the season Wednesday. That could help him build momentum. His price is a reach given his recent level of production, but he could be worth it.