Jang Hyun-seok (19, Masan Yongmago), a “156km prospect,” is also a hot topic in the U.S. Furthermore, some say that Jang Hyun-suk’s down payment of $900,000 (about 1.2 billion won) is less than his ability.

The U.S. media “Sports Illustrated” highlighted Jang Hyun-suk’s joining the Dodgers in an article titled “New rising star Jang Hyun-suk wants to succeed Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin.”

SI said, “Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin’s names are familiar, but the Dodgers still have a pitcher named Choi Hyun-il in the minor leagues. The Dodgers like to develop the abilities of young and promising Korean players, he said. “If Jang Hyun-suk’s dream comes true, he will become a great Korean pitcher to follow them.”

Jang Hyun-seok, who signed with the Dodgers on the 9th for a down payment of $900,000, held a grand joining ceremony at the Dragon City Hotel in Seoul on the 14th. Jang Hyun-suk, a de-high school pitcher, was likely to be nominated as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 KBO rookie draft, but he gave up participating in the draft and chose to go to the U.S. In order to embrace Jang Hyun-suk, the Dodgers sent two pitchers to the Chicago White Sox before the trade deadline, showing their sincerity in securing an international bonus pool.

SI said, “97 miles (156km) fastballs for 19-year-old players are very rare. The Dodgers appreciate his decision to give up the KBO rookie draft’s potential No. 1 nomination and sign a contract with the Dodgers, he said. “What is more shocking is that the Dodgers held such a pitcher for less than $1 million (about 1.3 billion won). Considering his overwhelming high school performance, it is right to steal him,” he said, praising Jang Hyun-suk’s value.

Jang Hyun-suk, who has a strong physical condition of 190cm-90kg, dominated the high school stage with three wins, no losses, and a 0.952 ERA in nine games this year. As a result, he was the only amateur player to join the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games national team, and received the attention of scouts from eight major league teams, including the Dodgers, at the last Cheongnyonggi High School Baseball Tournament. Jang Hyun-suk is considered to be good at breaking balls such as curves, sliders, and changeups as well as four-seam fastballs that reach up to 157 kilometers.

Then, which league will Jang Hyun-suk make his U.S. debut in. SI said, “If the Dodgers want Jang Hyun-seok to play with Choi Hyun-il, Jang Hyun-seok will make his debut in the top single A in the minor leagues.” “This is not impossible for a pitcher who throws 97 miles,” he said.

Finally, the media said, “Jang Hyun-suk in the Dodgers uniform looks comfortable.” We need to see how he develops in the future, but if his professional career goes like he was an amateur, he will definitely be treated in LA,” he said, predicting Jang Hyun-seok’s bright future. 토토