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

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Sung-jun (19), who is challenging the dual role of pitcher and hitter with 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 as the leadoff hitter and designated hitter in the away game against the ACL Dodgers (LA Dodgers rookie team) at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, recording 5 at-bats, 1 hit, 2 RBIs, 1 run scored, and 2 strikeouts.

This game, the 2026 rookie league season opener, 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, leading to an unpredictable finish until the final moments. Kim Sung-jun also joined the fray.

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

Daniel Rodriguez followed with a single to center field, driving in one run to make the score 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 hits failed to turn the game around, it was a single blow that sent shivers down the Dodgers' spines.

Kim Sung-jun is a right-handed pitcher and right-handed hitter 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 challenge. He drew attention from Major League Baseball since his first year of high school and won the Baseball Star Award at the 2024 Futures Star Awards ceremony in his second year.

In the official MLB.com prospect rankings released earlier this year, Kim Sung-jun was ranked 15th within the Texas organization, 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. In March, Kim Sung-jun participated in the MLB Spring Breakout, an event featuring only top minor league prospects, where he threw a fastball clocked at a maximum of 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 evaluated: "Kim Sung-jun possesses average-level hitting ability as a batter with good plate discipline. As a right-handed hitter, there is expectation for power to hit 15 home runs. If he continues to grow and builds more strength, his offensive potential can be further elevated. Defensively, he shows a stable presence 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.