[alone] Choi Ji-man opened his mouth! "There is no club choice. Thank you for any club nomination → Only focus on preparing for the draft."

*This content was translated by AI.

Choi Ji-man (35), a "big shot" who hit 67 home runs on the Major League Baseball (MLB) stage, will finally take an official step toward returning to Korea. It is preparing to return to Korean baseball fans by confirming its participation in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft to be held in September. However, Choi Ji-man reiterated his position that he has no choice for the designated club, and that he will wait with gratitude for any nomination of any club.

"Choi Ji-man will participate in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft scheduled for September," Choi Ji-man's management company, Brion Company, said on Star News on the 7th. As the two-year grace period under the overseas return rule expires in May, Choi Ji-man will go to the draft in the same capacity as amateur players in the third year of high school, not as a free agent (FA).

Choi Ji-man, a graduate of Dongsan High School, is staying in Incheon, his hometown, and is in the midst of making his body for his return. He is swimming and weight training at the same time for knee rehabilitation, which was a chronic injury site, and his condition has reportedly improved remarkably recently.

Regarding Choi Ji-man's physical condition, the agency said, "There is a two-year hiatus, but we are currently gradually improving our condition. "By this summer, we will be able to recover to the level where all training can be carried out normally," he explained. Choi Ji-man is also communicating with fans by constantly releasing videos of swing practice and training through his personal SNS.

As news of Choi Ji-man's return became visible, KBO league clubs are also reportedly moving. According to Brion Company, multiple clubs have already shown high interest in Choi Ji-man's physical condition and rehabilitation process since early 2026. Choi Ji-man, who has proven slugging power and rich experience in the Major League, can be considered a "possession" that can boost his power to lower-ranked teams. However, verification of physical condition is essential.

However, due to the nature of the rookie draft, players do not have the right to choose a club. In response, Choi Ji-man expressed his calm and earnest heart. Through Star News, Choi Ji-man said, "If any club nominates me, I will do it with a grateful heart. It's just precious to be able to play baseball again in front of fans, and I just want to repay you with a good appearance on the field."

Brion Company promised full support for the player's successful soft landing. An official from the agency told Star News, "We will take care of the player in detail to ensure his rehabilitation success and return to the KBO league smoothly," adding, "We will focus on creating the best condition before the draft."

Baseball is already paying attention to the draft field as to what kind of uniform Choi Ji-man, who will return as the "Rookie of September" after living abroad for a long time, will wear to the KBO at-bat.

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*This content was translated by AI.