'156 km/h' Texas pitcher-hitter Kim Sung-jun explodes with first home run of the season against the Dodgers, igniting the rookie league opener [Video]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Sung-jun (19), who is attempting to serve as both pitcher and hitter for the Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball, launched a powerful home run from the very start of the rookie league season opener.

On the 5th (Korea time), Kim Sung-jun started at the leadoff spot and as designated hitter in a road game against the ACL Dodgers (LA Dodgers rookie team) at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, in the 2026 U.S. Minor League Baseball regular season, recording one hit in five at-bats, two RBIs, one run scored, and two strikeouts.

This game, which marked the opening of the 2026 rookie league season, unfolded as a fierce offensive battle with both teams exchanging big innings. In particular, the ACL Dodgers took a 9-4 lead, but closer Frandely Morel entered the game in the bottom of the 7th and was hammered, leaving the outcome uncertain until the final moments. Kim Sung-jun joined the fray.

Against Morel, Marco Agudin drew a walk, and Jay McQueen reached base with a hit to left field. A throwing error by the opposing team left the bases empty with runners on second and third. Lashon Finder's ground ball to first base allowed the runner from third to score.

Daniel Rodriguez then hit a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing the score to 6-9. It was then Kim Sung-jun's turn at bat. Kim Sung-jun connected with a low fastball from Morel and sent it soaring over the left-field fence. With this home run, Texas closed the gap to 8-9. Although the follow-up batters failed to deliver, the game ultimately remained unchanged, but it was a single swing that sent shivers down the Dodgers' spines.

Kim Sung-jun is a right-handed pitcher and right-handed batter who signed a $1.2 million (approximately 1.8 billion won) contract with Texas in May last year after graduating from Gwangju Ilgo High School, embarking on his Major League Baseball challenge. He drew attention from Major League Baseball since his first year of high school and has developed well, winning the Baseball Star Award at the 2024 Futures Star Awards ceremony in November last year, his third year of high school.

In the official MLB.com prospect rankings released earlier this year, Kim Sung-jun was ranked 15th among Texas's internal prospects, raising expectations. According to Kim Sung-jun's representative, the Texas organization promised to support his physical growth and local adaptation while committing to his dual role as pitcher and hitter.

The process has gone smoothly, and Kim Sung-jun participated in the MLB Spring Breakout in March, an event featuring only top minor league prospects, where he threw a fastball clocked at 97 mph (approximately 156.1 km/h). Considering his top speed last year was only 153 km/h, reaching 156 km/h at this stage is an encouraging achievement.

MLB.com stated, "Kim Sung-jun possesses average-level hitting ability as a batter with good plate discipline. As a right-handed hitter, there is potential for him to hit 15 home runs. If he continues to grow and builds more strength, his offensive potential could be further enhanced. Defensively, he shows stability at shortstop based on his strong arm."

It further explained, "As a pitcher, he throws a fastball averaging in the early 90s mph, with a top speed of 95 mph (approximately 152.9 km/h). Among his breaking balls, a slider in the early 80s mph (approximately 128.7 km/h) receives the best evaluation, along with a splitter and curveball. As he continues to grow physically, his pitching arsenal is expected to improve further. His exceptional athletic ability will help him consistently throw strikes."

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*This content was translated by AI.