KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-chul has expressed awe at the incredible power of foreign hitter Sam Hilliard, who has been a driving force behind the team’s strong start. Hilliard, 32, has been on a tear in May, smashing four home runs in just seven games, showcasing his raw strength.
Speaking to reporters before the game against Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome on May 10, Lee marveled at the impact of Hilliard’s swings. In the previous day’s matchup against Kiwoom, Hilliard went 4-for-5 with two home runs and three RBIs, leading his team to a 6-6 tie. Though the game ended in a draw, Hilliard’s performance was highly impressive.
Lee commented, “Once the bat makes contact, it becomes an event. Even on mishits, the ball comes off the bat at 160 km/h.” He added with a laugh, “It’s almost a shame that such dominant exit velocity numbers go to waste. When he squares one up, by the time you turn your head, the ball is already gone.”
Hilliard initially faced a period of adjustment in the unfamiliar KBO League. According to Lee, the player struggled with the automatic ball-strike system but later worked with hitting coaches to correct his approach. In April, his batting average dropped to .188, but Lee’s faith in Hilliard’s explosive bat speed never wavered. “He’s fundamentally a solid defender and baserunner, so I trusted him and waited,” Lee praised.
Since May, Hilliard has shown full adaptation. In the May 10 game, he didn’t record a hit in two at-bats but drew two walks, displaying sharp plate discipline. His May numbers: a .370 average (10-for-27), four homers, and seven RBIs, with a staggering 1.412 OPS.
According to baseball stats site Statiz, Hilliard’s wRC+ stands at 125.7, second on the team behind Jang Seong-woo (127.1). He also ranks tied for second in home runs with nine, alongside Choo Jeong (SSG) and Austin Dean (LG). The sole leader is Kim Do-yeong of KIA with 12 homers.
What makes Hilliard’s surge even more encouraging is that he has solved KT’s long-standing foreign hitter woes. In 2025, KT struggled with Mel Rojas Jr. and Andrew Stevenson. Rojas batted just .239 with 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 95 games before departing, while Stevenson managed only .262 with three homers and 14 RBIs, failing to earn a new contract.
Currently, KT sits atop the league with a 23-1-12 record and a .657 winning percentage, 1.5 games ahead of second-place LG Twins (22-14, .611). Fans are now watching closely to see if Hilliard can maintain his hot streak and lead KT to their second championship in franchise history.
