“I hope to have a career similar to Ryu Hyun-jin”

Jang Hyun-seok’s management company, Ricoh Sports Agency, officially announced on the 9th that “Jang Hyun-seok of Masan Yongma High School signed a contract with Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers on the 8th, worth $900,000 (approximately 1.18 billion won).”

Jang Hyun-seok was the most sought-after player among those eligible for this year’s KBO Draft. It’s easy to see why. As of the 9th, Jang has appeared in nine games this season, striking out 52 batters in 29 innings pitched, with an impressive 3-0 record, 0.93 ERA, and 0.79 WHIP (walks allowed per inning pitched).

Jang’s biggest strength is his fastball. His fastball tops out at a whopping 157 mph, and he has the ability to consistently deliver in the low-to-mid 150 mph range. In the recent Cheongnyonggi at Mokdong Baseball Stadium in Seoul, he proved that he can get out of trouble with his changeup when his fastball is out of control, and he was able to go the full nine innings.

Because of these strengths, major league scouts from all 10 KBO clubs as well as multiple teams have been keeping a close eye on Jang Hyun-seok. As the “only” amateur player to make the Hangzhou Asian Games (AG) squad, Jang’s talent was such that if he stayed in the KBO, he was certain to be drafted first overall. Jang Hyun-seok has been tight-lipped about his future, but on the 1st of this month, Ricoh Sports Agency announced that “after much consideration, Jang Hyun-seok has decided to challenge the major leagues without submitting an application to the KBO Draft.”

Jang Hyun-seok said through Ricoh Sports Agency, “I’m sorry for making everyone wait while I was deciding where to live. It was very difficult to decide because both the KBO and Major League Baseball were my dreams,” he said, adding, “However, I made up my mind to challenge the major leagues in the end because of my desire to challenge the world’s top stage.” He explained his decision to challenge the United States instead of the KBO.

Jang Hyun-seok is considered to be a better pitcher than Shim Jun-seok (Pittsburgh Pirates), who was considered the “biggest high school signing” last year, including in terms of pitching mechanics, which is reflected in his contract. While Shim received $750,000 (approximately $980,000) to come to the United States, Jang will receive $900,000, which is $150,000 more than Jang Hyun-seok.

The Dodgers seem to have high hopes for Jang Hyun-seok. The Dodgers’ international amateur payroll this year was $4.14 million, tied with the Texas Rangers for the lowest in the majors, and they had spent $4.1 million in January’s international amateur signings, signing amateurs including Yoendry Vargas ($2.08 million) and Arnaldo Lantigua ($700,000). The Dodgers traded two prospects to free up bonus pool space, which they used to sign Jang Hyun-seok.

When Jang Hyun-seok signed with the Dodgers, local media focused on the news. “Jang Hyun-seok was expected to be the No. 1 pick in next month’s KBO draft, but he passed on the opportunity,” said ‘Dodger Blue,’ which focuses on Dodgers news. “He throws a fastball that reaches 97 mph (about 156.1 km/h) and also features a slider, sweeper, curve and changeup.”

‘Dodger Nation’ reported the news of Jang’s signing, saying, “This is very exciting news because Jang is a 19-year-old prospect. He was expected to be the No. 1 pick in the KBO draft, but he wanted to play in the United States, and the Dodgers gave him a chance.” “It will be a while before we see Jang Hyun-seok, but Dodger fans will be very happy to see what he can do in the major leagues.”

“The Dodgers’ trade of two minor leaguers last week to free up international bonus pool space certainly looks like a good move,” said SB Nation, while Bleacher Report said, “The Los Angeles Dodgers have bolstered their pitching staff for the future,” adding, “Prospects on a team with as many good players as the Dodgers will take some time to reach the major league level. But Jang has a bright future, and the Dodgers will certainly hope to see him on the mound at Dodger Stadium in the coming years.”

The Dodgers are no strangers to Korean ‘pitchers’. Chan-ho Park, the “Korean Express,” and Hyun-jin Ryu, the “Korean Monster,” wore Dodger jerseys when they first made it to the big leagues. Park went 84-58 with a 3.77 ERA in nine seasons, while Ryu went 54-33 with a 2.98 ERA in six seasons, both in their prime with the Dodgers. “The Dodgers have a long history of having world-class players like Ryu, Maeda, Genta, and Hideo Nomo, and hopefully Jang will have a similar career,” Dodger Nation added.바카라사이트

Upon signing with the Dodgers, Jang Hyun-seok said, “I am honoured to join the prestigious Dodgers,” and promised to work hard to become a better player. Over the years, many players have tried to make it to the major leagues. However, there hasn’t been a major league pitcher signed to an international amateur contract since Ryu Je-guk, who made his big league debut with the Chicago Cubs in 2006. It remains to be seen if Jang Hyun-seok can become the first since Ryu.