[Exclusive] Gwangju Ilgo's Park Chan-min boards flight to the U.S. today (19th)! Contract with MLB's Philadelphia imminent... Official announcement for this weekend's home game expected as early as this weekend

*This content was translated by AI.

Gwangju Ilgo right-handed ace Park Chan-min (18) is heading to the United States to finalize a formal contract with the Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball (MLB).

A representative for Park Chan-min told StarNews on the 19th, "Park Chan-min is boarding a flight to the U.S. today (19th). After arriving in Philadelphia, he will undergo medical tests over two days on the 21st and 22nd, and is scheduled to officially sign a contract with the Cleveland Guardians as early as this weekend's home game."

Rumors of Park Chan-min's move to the United States, which had circulated for over a month, are finally coming to an end. It began at the 2026 Shinsegae E-Mart Cup National High School Baseball Tournament held in Miryang, Gyeongnam.

At the time, those on-site said the Philadelphia Phillies had extended a formal offer to Park Chan-min. However, with the Phillies facing a shortage of international signing bonus pool money this year, rumors emerged that the New York Yankees had entered the race, leaving the situation uncertain. This year, the Yankees have an international signing bonus pool of at least $4.5 million (6.8 billion won), making them one of the most competitive teams in the transfer market.

According to StarNews' investigation, the Philadelphia Phillies secured the necessary signing bonus by holding off on a contract with a right-handed pitcher from Taiwan. With the possibility of acquiring additional draft bonus money through further trades, Park Chan-min is now heading to the U.S. with confidence. The contract size is confirmed to be around $1.25 million (approximately 1.9 billion won).

Park Chan-min is a right-handed pitcher with a large frame, standing 191 cm tall and weighing 94 kg according to the Korea Baseball and Softball Association (KBSA). He throws a fastball reaching speeds up to 149 km/h, along with a slider, curveball, and changeup. Last year, he appeared in five games, recording 2 wins with no losses, an ERA of 1.13, 16⅓ innings pitched, 6 walks, and 25 strikeouts, establishing himself as a top national prospect. This year, in 12 games, he posted 6 wins with no losses, an ERA of 1.37, 46 innings pitched, 12 walks and hit batters (7 walks, 5 hit batters), 65 strikeouts, and a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 0.65, leading Gwangju Ilgo to the semifinals of both the E-Mart Cup and the Golden Saja Cup.

Park Chan-min's greatest strength lies in his development potential derived from his large frame and his exceptional command. A KBO scout A said earlier this year, "Park Chan-min is one of the players who can rival the Big Three. He also showed impressive performances during the winter league. Even without being in peak condition, he threw a fastball at 145 km/h. His fastball has excellent velocity and movement due to his height." He added, "He is a pitcher with high growth potential. His command is so refined that he can pitch in either starting or relief roles. Because of his great feel, he effectively uses his fastball, slider, and curveball."

Another MLB scout B also stated, "Park Chan-min is a player with excellent physical attributes and high development potential. We have seen him throw up to 147 km/h, and given his frame, there is a high probability he will improve further. His slider is his primary weapon, but his changeup and curveball are also excellent. His command allows him to manage games well. At this point, both his command and velocity are considered superior to Ha Hyun-seung (18, Busan High School)."

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*This content was translated by AI.