'Samrin-i' is heading to MLB Detroit! Why did Nam Hyun-woo choose the U.S. over a top KBO draft pick? "If I had been afraid, I wouldn't have gone... I'll just go and face it head-on" [Ulsan on-site interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

"If I had been afraid, I wouldn't have gone."

Seoul Convention High School infielder Nam Hyun-woo (18), who is on the verge of signing a contract with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB), chose to face the unknown directly rather than fear the path he has not yet taken.

According to StarNews' investigation, Nam Hyun-woo recently decided to join the Detroit Tigers of the American League Central Division in MLB. The contract is valued at a total of $600,000 (approximately 800 million won), and Detroit will fully support all aspects necessary for life in the U.S., including an interpreter, housing, meals, and equipment. He is expected to head to the U.S. as early as late September to finalize his physical test and contract.

After enrolling in Seoul Convention High School, Nam Hyun-woo played in regular games starting from his freshman year, recording a three-year batting average of 0.345 (165 at-bats, 57 hits), 30 RBIs, 41 runs scored, 25 stolen bases, an on-base percentage of 0.454, a slugging percentage of 0.455, and an OPS of 0.909. With a sturdy build of 185 cm in height and 83 kg in weight, fast speed, and dynamic defense, he was evaluated as a top draft candidate within the third round of the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft to be held in September. Recognizing these achievements, he was also selected for the Korean youth national baseball team participating in the 14th Asian Youth Baseball Championship (under-18), led by Deoksu High School head coach Jung Yun-jin.

Nevertheless, Nam Hyun-woo chose the U.S. over a familiar path. Meeting with StarNews after finishing training for the national team on the 27th at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium, he stated frankly, "I am not going to the U.S. because of the contract amount. People might think, 'Why go for that money?' But I want to live a life of challenge."

Born and raised in Daegu, Nam Hyun-woo heard similar remarks when he chose to move to Seoul ahead of high school enrollment. "Even when I came to Seoul, not everyone had a positive view," Nam said, noting that people asked, 'Daegu has good schools too; why go to Seoul?' He emphasized, "I started playing baseball because I love it. Rather than worrying about other things, I want to play and learn more baseball in the U.S. My goal is to grow while gaining valuable experiences."

Detroit's concrete development plan to train him as a shortstop also swayed his decision. Nam explained, "In Korea, I might not be able to play shortstop, but Detroit has set up a systematic plan with the goal of reaching the major leagues within seven years. They evaluated my physical condition and overall tools highly. The facilities and support are excellent, and it's where the world's best players gather, so I wanted to face them there."

For Nam Hyun-woo, shortstop carries a meaning beyond just a position. He was a 'Samrin-i' (Samsung Lions + Children fans) who went to Daegu Citizens Baseball Stadium every day since kindergarten. Although he started his baseball career as a catcher with the Daegu Samsung Lions Little League team, he moved through various infield positions and officially took on the role of shortstop starting in middle school.

"There's a saying that the shortstop is the 'field commander,' isn't there?" Nam said. "I like being responsible. I'm also the team captain, which makes the shortstop position even more appealing to me. While hitting can have ups and downs, defense doesn't work that way. If I make a mistake, it's because I didn't do enough. I believe I can develop sufficiently with continued practice, so I'm focusing more on defense." He expressed his confidence.

His playing style is also tough. In Korea, he cites Kim Ju-won (24, NC Dinos) as a role model; in the U.S., Bobby Witt Jr. (26, Kansas City Royals). Since deciding on Detroit, he has been watching the play of shortstop Kevin McGonigle (22) extensively.

"I think I have good baseball sense and fast feet," Nam said with a smile. "But my playing style isn't smooth or pretty. If it's not going to be pretty anyway, I'd rather push through with roughness. I don't want to fall behind anyone in sprinting or showing great fighting spirit. I like that Witt Jr. plays roughly and strongly; that's what makes him appealing."

His challenge in the U.S. stems from the same mindset. He remains calm even when faced with the view that failing to reach the major leagues would mean his choice was a failure. His English is not yet fluent, and his family will not accompany him. He must start alone in an unfamiliar environment. Yet, the answer from the Seoul Convention High School captain was simple.

"I can study English," Nam replied. "I don't consider it a failure if I don't make it to the major leagues. I want to gain valuable experiences there and face challenges head-on."

For now, he aims for Asian supremacy alongside his friends in the dream national team. One of the goals he set when entering high school was to wear the Taegeuk mark. "When I became a high school student, I vowed that I would definitely be selected for the youth national team," Nam said. "I am truly grateful and honored to be selected like this. Since it's where the best baseball players from across the country gather, I will fight with all my might not to fall behind here."

He added, "Even if I get just one hit in this tournament, I want to sprint and show great fighting spirit in defense. I want people to say, 'Nam Hyun-woo is working the hardest and playing baseball that stands out.'"

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*This content was translated by AI.