'Rejected even an ML 2.3 billion won offer': Seoul High's Kim Ji-woo declares he will stay in Korea → Doosan Bears smile... "It is the right order to be recognized by Korean baseball fans"

*This content was translated by AI.

While Eom Jun-sang (Arizona) from Deoksu High and Park Chan-min (Philadelphia) from Gwangju Ilgo High declared their intent to challenge Major League Baseball (MLB), Kim Ji-woo (both 18, Seoul High), following Ha Hyun-seung (Busan High), has also announced his decision to remain in Korea and challenge the KBO League rookie draft.

On the 22nd, Kim Ji-woo stated via his Instagram, "I recently received excessive offers from various MLB teams, who believed in my potential as a position player and wanted to build a future together," but added, "Although the contract was imminent, after deep contemplation day and night and consultations with my family, Coach Kim Dong-soo, and those around me, I have decided to politely decline the offer from this MLB team and participate in the KBO rookie draft."

This is welcome news for KBO League fans. It is particularly good news for the Kiwoom Heroes and Doosan Bears, who can now smile broadly.

While Eom Jun-sang signed with Arizona, Ha Hyun-seung, who was also called one of the 'Big Three' alongside Kim Ji-woo, had already chosen to stay in Korea. With the selection of Ha Hyun-seung by Kiwoom, the team that finished last last year in reverse order of standings, becoming a foregone conclusion, the team that will rejoice over Kim Ji-woo's decision to stay is the Doosan Bears, who finished ninth last year.

Kim Ji-woo is a player drawing attention on both hitting and pitching. As a hitter, he recorded a .429 batting average (42 at-bats, 18 hits), 2 home runs, 17 RBIs, 12 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases in 12 games, with an on-base percentage of 0.451, a slugging percentage of 0.714, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.165. As a pitcher, he recorded 2 wins and 1 loss in 8 games with an ERA of 4.91, 11 1/3 innings pitched, 4 walks, and 15 strikeouts.

Kim Ji-woo, the captain of Seoul High, who is highly regarded for his natural power and very strong arm, drew early interest from big league teams. According to a StarNews investigation, it was confirmed that the Toronto Blue Jays of the American League East division offered Kim Ji-woo a contract worth 1.5 million dollars (approximately 2.31 billion won).

However, Kim Ji-woo chose to stay. He said, "I am posting this message to speak directly about what may be the most important decision of my baseball career." He continued, "I am grateful to have received excessive offers from various MLB teams recently, who believed in my potential as a position player and wanted to build a future together. I was moved by their promise to evaluate me positively on the world's best stage and help me grow in a good environment. Although the contract was imminent, after deep contemplation day and night and consultations with my family, Coach Kim Dong-soo, and those around me, I have decided to politely decline the offer from this MLB team and participate in the KBO rookie draft."

This follows the path of Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco), Kim Ha-seong (Atlanta), Kim Hye-seong (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Song Sung-moon (San Diego), who expressed their intention to aim for the big dream of advancing to the big leagues based on their performances in Korea.

Kim Ji-woo stated, "What I wanted most was to swing my bat with all my might in the hot baseball fields of Korea, amidst the cheers of the fans. I felt it was the right order to prove I am a good player on the KBO stage and become a player recognized by our country's baseball fans." He added, "I hope to grow steadily and challenge the world stage in the future with an even stronger presence. Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to the MLB team officials who offered me excessive conditions and showed me a sincere vision for my future, despite my many shortcomings. I will strive to be a baseball player who gives his best at every moment."

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*This content was translated by AI.