The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have noticed Jang Hyun-seok (19, Masan Yongma High School)’s talent since middle school, succeeded in embracing Jang Hyun-seok after a long period of hard work. At his inauguration ceremony, expectations for him were so high that the president and vice president of the club in the United States sent congratulatory videos directly.
‘157km Fireballer’ Jang Hyun-seok held a press conference at the Seoul Dragon City Hotel on the 14th to join the Major League Baseball LA Dodgers.
On the 9th (Korean time), Jang Hyun-suk signed a contract with the LA Dodgers, a prestigious major league team, for a down payment of 900,000 dollars (approximately 1.1 billion won). The overall first pick in the upcoming 2023 KBO draft was likely to be nominated, but he gave up participating in the draft to challenge the bigger stage, and the Dodgers sent two pitchers to the Chicago White Sox before the trade deadline to embrace Jang Hyun-seok and set up an international bonus pool. secured
Jang Hyun-seok, who has a physical condition of 190cm-90kg, conquered the high school stage with 3 wins, 0.93 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 9 games this year. As a result, he was the only amateur player to board the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games national team. At the last Blue Dragon High School Baseball Championship, he received a lot of attention from scouts from eight major league teams.
The inauguration ceremony began with the transmission of a congratulatory video from a Dodgers official. It was noticeable that all high-ranking Dodgers officials appeared. “I just wanted to say congratulations,” Dodgers president Andrew Friedman said. He is welcome to the Dodgers family. If the player’s talent is with our coaches, a bright future will be seen. I want to share my story soon. I will wait for the day I pitch at Dodger Stadium,” he said in a congratulatory message.
Then, Vice President of Player Personal/Pro Scouting, Galen Kerr, appeared and said, “Welcome to wearing Dodger Blue. I have seen Jang Hyun-seok for a long time and I am looking forward to his bright future. I hope you come to the US as soon as possible and start our training process. Congratulations once again and good luck.”
Finally, Dodgers minor league pitching director Rob Hill said, “Congratulations. He welcomes being a Dodgers player. I watched him for a very long time and highly evaluated his ability. I wish I could bring out my full potential and come to America as soon as possible to exercise.”
It is known that the Dodgers have been paying attention to Hyun-Seok Jang since his days in Gyeongju. John Dibble Dodgers Pacific Region Scouting Director, who attended the press conference with Jang Hyun-seok, said, “I have seen Jang Hyun-seok since middle school. Seven scouts constantly watched, and all seven recognized Jang Hyun-suk’s talent, so the process proceeded. It feels good to be with us.”
Then, why was Jang Hyun-seok among the many promising players? Director Dibble said, “Of course, the speed, physical condition, and ability to use the breaking ball all came to my attention, but if I had to pick one of them, the desire to win stood out. I liked the competitive spirit, the fighting spirit, and the way he played on the mound. Players pitching in the major leagues also show that kind of side. I was able to see that side of Jang Hyun-seok as well.” 메이저놀이터
Dean Kim, the international scout in charge of Korea for the Dodgers, highly appreciated Jang Hyun-seok’s curiosity. He said, “Jang Hyun-seok’s willingness to learn was impressive. He seemed curious about pitching and data, and I thought that would be good synergy with the club in the minor leagues. He rated it highly,” he explained.
Wearing a Dodgers uniform with the number 18 on it, Jang Hyun-seok said, “I want to become a pitcher like Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw has been with the Dodgers for a long time and he has been the first starter. I also have the desire to become a starting pitcher.”