"Korean player who replaced Sasaki: 15-home-run shortstop or 153 km/h starter? Texas's two-way Kim Sung-jun's future, even the U.S. is curious [MLB.com]"

*This content was translated by AI.

He could become a '15-home-run shortstop' or a starting pitcher throwing over 153 km/h (95 mph). Even in the U.S., there is growing interest in the future of Kim Sung-jun, 19, who plays both pitching and hitting for the Texas Rangers.

MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball in the United States, recently updated its prospect rankings and placed Kim Sung-jun sixth among Texas's prospects, closely examining his growth potential.

MLB.com stated, "Texas had set aside international amateur signing bonus funds to acquire Sasaki Rocky (25, LA Dodgers) last year. However, after Sasaki signed with the LA Dodgers, Texas changed direction and invested $1.201 million (approximately 1.7 billion won) in Kim Sung-jun in May last year. Kim Sung-jun, who showed promise in both pitching and hitting, was expected to be selected in the first round of the KBO Rookie Draft."

And just one year later, that decision is leading to quite an interesting outcome. The rise is noticeable. Kim Sung-jun started this season ranked 15th among Texas prospects according to MLB.com. However, after demonstrating potential on both pitching and hitting in the rookie league, he quickly jumped to sixth place.

His performance backed up the climb. In the rookie league this year, Kim appeared in five games as a pitcher, recording one loss without a win, but posted an ERA of just 1.04. He recorded 10 strikeouts over 8⅔ innings. His batting performance was even more impressive. In 48 games, he hit .303 (40 hits in 132 at-bats), with seven home runs, 34 RBIs, 35 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. His on-base percentage was 0.419 and slugging percentage was 0.545, resulting in an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.964.

It wasn't just about good statistics. On the mound, Kim threw a fastball reaching up to 98 mph (approximately 157.7 km/h) according to the scoreboard and 97 mph (approximately 156.1 km/h) based on TrackMan data. When playing as a batter, he also handled shortstop defense about twice a week, committing zero errors over 85⅓ innings.

He has begun testing his potential beyond the rookie league at higher levels. On the 30th of last month, along with two teammates who performed well in the rookie league, he traveled to Texas's High Single-A affiliate, Hub City Sparta, for training.

This was not a promotion to High Single-A as some had reported. According to StarNews' verification, it was a tour-style training trip organized by the major league club to give prospects experience in higher-level environments. However, considering his performance in the rookie league, he is clearly one of the prospects with a high probability of being officially promoted to Single-A.

The part that is most curious even in the U.S. is ultimately Kim Sung-jun's 'final position.' MLB.com reported, "Scouts' opinions differ on whether Kim Sung-jun will excel more as an infielder or a pitcher."

As a position player, there is talk of his potential to grow into an above-average batter with good approach skills. MLB.com stated, "As a right-handed hitter, he can be expected to hit around 15 home runs in a season. With his 6-foot-2-inch (approximately 188 cm) frame and added strength, the ceiling for his offensive power could rise even higher. As a shortstop, he possesses a strong arm, stable defense, and average speed."

His appeal as a pitcher is also significant. MLB.com evaluated, "Kim Sung-jun's fastball sits in the low 90s (mph) and reaches up to 95 mph (approximately 153 km/h). His breaking ball repertoire is diverse. His slider, which sits in the low 80s (mph), receives the highest praise, along with a splitter in the mid-80s (mph) and a curveball in the mid-70s (mph)."

In fact, during this year's rookie league, he reached a top speed of 157 km/h (98 mph), faster than MLB.com's previous scouting reports. On the mound, his fastball topped out at 98 mph (approximately 157.7 km/h) according to the scoreboard and 97 mph (approximately 156.1 km/h) based on TrackMan data. This is why there are expectations that his velocity will improve further as his body continues to grow. MLB.com noted, "His excellent athleticism is also expected to help him consistently throw strikes."

Kim Sung-jun has attracted attention since his time at Gwangju Ilgo High School for his exceptional physical condition and athletic ability. From his first year of high school, he handled both pitching and hitting simultaneously, drawing early interest from major league clubs. In 2024, during his second year, he won the Baseball Star Award at the Futures Star Awards ceremony. Then, in May last year, as a third-year high school student, he signed an international amateur contract with Texas, choosing to challenge himself on the American stage.

So far, the praise has been unanimous. According to MLB.com, if he continues to develop as a shortstop, double-digit home runs can be expected along with his accuracy and on-base ability. If he establishes himself as a pitcher, he will become a starting candidate with a fastball reaching the high 90s (mph) in the mid-to-late 150 km/h range and a variety of breaking balls.

He has climbed from 15th to sixth place in the team's prospect rankings, and even Texas has not yet reached a conclusion on which path to choose. Given that even the U.S. is curious about Kim Sung-jun's next move, this season can be considered successful.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.