[Official] 'ML 67 Home Runs' Choi Jee-man to make KBO debut in Lotte game at Munsu Baseball Stadium on the 27th: "I am truly excited"

*This content was translated by AI.

Choi Jee-man (35), a former Major Leaguer of the Ulsan Whales, is finally set to make his KBO debut before fans.

The Ulsan Whales announced that Choi will make his debut in a 2026 Medihill KBO Futures League home game against the Lotte Giants at Munsu Baseball Stadium on the 27th.

Choi Jee-man played 525 games over eight seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), recording a batting average of 0.238, 67 home runs, 238 RBIs, 190 runs scored, an on-base percentage of 0.334, a slugging percentage of 0.426, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.764. Notably, while playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020, he stepped onto the World Series stage, setting a record as the first Korean position player to start in a World Series game.

After the 2024 season, he explored a return to Korea, but under Article 107, Section 1 of the KBO regulations, which prohibits players who went directly overseas after high school graduation from signing with a KBO team for two years, it was anticipated that he would participate in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft, scheduled for the second half of this year.

Choi Jee-man, who enlisted as a social service agent in May 2025 to fulfill his military obligation, was released from reserve duty in August of that year after his condition worsened due to past knee surgery. He focused solely on rehabilitation before joining the Ulsan Whales last April.

Recently joining team training, he has showcased powerful hitting and stable movement, bringing his physical condition back to normal and completing his preparations for play. The Ulsan Whales, currently engaged in a fierce race for the top spot, expect Choi's addition to significantly strengthen their lineup.

Choi Jee-man stated, "Thanks to the support and encouragement of many people during my rehabilitation period, I was able to prepare well. I am truly excited to meet the Ulsan fans who have waited for me for so long for the first time. Although I cannot say I am in perfect condition yet, I will do my best in every game to help the team win." He added, "Now that I am starting a new challenge wearing the Ulsan Whales uniform, I will take on this responsibility with a strong sense of duty. I will strive to show fans a good performance and enjoyable games."

Manager Jang Won-jin said, "We have carefully monitored his knee condition and coordinated his return timing. For the time being, we plan to utilize him primarily as a pinch hitter and designated hitter depending on game situations. We expect him to become a great asset to the team's lineup based on his rich experience and power-hitting ability."

Choi Jee-man, who has been the focus of attention regarding his return timing since the team announcement, will finally meet Ulsan fans at Munsu Baseball Stadium on the 27th.

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*This content was translated by AI.