"I can't see any fielders this year." Pitchers are still strong... Only the "second Lee Dae-ho" hit hard [High School Weekend League Opens 3]

*This content was translated by AI.

While the weekend league of high school baseball began in earnest in 2026, pitchers are still strong this year.

KBO Scout A said in a phone call with Star News ahead of the opening of the weekend league, "The weather in February was cold, and it's too early to judge because the players are just raising their pace," but added, "It seems right that there are no more noticeable fielders than I thought." "To pick a fielder in the first round is a big adventure as a club, but so far, I don't see many fielders that can do that," he said.

As a result, the so-called big three were still maintained: Ha Hyun-seung (18), left-hander of Busan High School, Um Jun-sang (18), and Kim Ji-woo (18), Seoul High School. They are evaluated as excellent among scouts as to how to show their talents in both pitching and batting and how to foster them. Pitchers' names are heard more than fielders as players who will threaten them. Gwangju Il High School right-hander Park Chan-min (18) and Daegu High School right-hander Jung-il (18) and Yushin High School left-hander Lee Seung-won (18) were constantly mentioned.

On top of that, from the Miryang Sunshine Boat to Masan High School's one-two punch left-hander Lee Yoon-sung (18) and right-hander Kim Kyung-rok (18) stood out in November last year. In particular, Lee Yun-sung and Kim Kyung-rok caught the attention of scouts by throwing up to 150km and 152km fast balls, respectively, at the recent "2026 prestigious high school baseball heat" in Busan.

As such, pitchers made their names known little by little even in the cold weather. On the other hand, the highly anticipated fielders did not perform well in the winter league in February and the last two competitions in a long time. Because there are many relatively good pitchers, the catcher's resource, which is highly difficult for fielders, is even mentioned as a surprise pick in the first round. There are also several names of college graduates who can be an immediate force.

KBO Scout A said, "At this point, I think there can be a strategy to nominate a fielder in a faster round than expected. Since there is no fielder, I feel that if you wait for the position you need or the player you like, you will be taken away," he said.

In the meantime, Lee Ho-min of Gyeongnam High School is a beast who clearly showed his presence this winter. He has played since his freshman year at prestigious Gyeongnam High School and posted a batting average of 0.304 (24 hits in 79 times at bat) in 27 games. In his second year, he hit .409 (47 hits in 115 at-bats) in 31 games, nicknamed "the second Lee Dae-ho."

Lee Ho-min, who has been on third base in earnest since this year, is divided between likes and dislikes of dull defense, but many KBO scouts have recognized his batting talent. In March, he also connected Masan High School's one-two punch's fastball to a double with a cheerful swing.

KBO Scout B said, "Except for Ha Hyun-seung, Um Jun-sang, and Kim Ji-woo, I think Lee Ho-min is the first fielder at this point. "Lee Ho-min is the only big shot type that exceeds 30 home runs," he said.

Another KBO scout, A, said, "Lee Ho-min's batting talent is certain. He hits the outside ball very well and knows how to produce results even when the ball count is concentrated. "I don't miss the tricky balls and get rid of the crowded balls," he praised. He continued, "Power is good, too. It is certainly a resource that can be called the Uta Gupo. However, the third base defense was still below expectations. "I think this part will determine whether Lee Ho-min will be in the first round or not," he added.

Of course, this is the evaluation at the beginning of March, when his condition has not yet risen. Last year, Shin Jae-in (19, NC Dinos) was evaluated as "not catching the timing" at the same time, but he recovered his form from the Golden Lion Flag National High School Baseball Tournament in May after passing Shinsegae E-Mart Cup in April and won the honor of second place in the first round. Gyeongnam High School, which won its second consecutive national championship, also gained momentum in earnest from May when the day was lifted.

In last year's KBO rookie draft, where pitchers are the trend, four fielders were nominated in the first round. Baseball is paying attention to the weekend league this year as to which fielder will be the main character.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.