Guillermo Heredia was an under the radar acquisition that paid off for the SSG Landers last season. In 122 games the outfielder slashed .324/.385/.461/.846 with 12 longballs and 76 RBIs. These numbers garnered him an All-Star selection and took the Korean squad to a playoff birth.
Heredia returns this season focused on staying healthy and help the Landers win their second championship in three years. The native of Matanzas, Cuba is working hard this spring at the team’s preseason camp in Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida.
The Cuban won a world title with the Braves in 2021 and in seven MLB seasons with Atlanta, Tampa,Seattle, the Mets and Pittsburgh he hit .231 primarily as a fourth outfielder and defensive specialist. Heredia has international experience with Cuba hitting .167 as the team’s starting centerfielder in the 2013 WBC.
El jardinero Guillermo Heredia nos cuenta sobre su preparación para la próxima temporada de la @KBOleague .#pelotacubana #KBO #SSG #Landers pic.twitter.com/NQ0wsUoilk
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) February 21, 2024
What have you worked on during the Off season?
Mainly what I have worked on is my physical part of my game. I want to be healthy for the entire season, that is the plan I have. The other thing is to keep working on what is usual, hitting, defense and continue to iron out the deficiencies that appear along the road. I want to focus on staying healthy, which is the most important thing.
You participated in the All-Star Game in your first year in the KBO, do you have pressure to maintain that level of play this season?
No. There is no pressure on me this season, I am simply going to go out and play to have fun. You do not have 100% control over your results on the field, but I am always going to give 100% of myself. We want to win this season, try to do our best.
How did it feel to have Roenis Elías on the team?
He helped me a lot, since he is Cuban, he is a compatriot, we played together in Seattle and the truth is that he really helped me a lot. We are two people who understand each other and we are always trying to help each other. We try to correct each other when we are doing something wrong with our duties on the field of play.
Do you have any goals for the upcoming season?
I don’t really have a goal, the main thing is to stay healthy and the results will come by themselves.