*This content was translated by AI.
Now, there are even voices saying that it would be strange not to select him as the first priority. Kiwoom Heroes, which holds the overall No. 1 pick in the first round of the upcoming 2027 KBO Rookie Draft, is set to draft the most likely candidate for the top spot: Ha Hyun-seung (18).
The 2027 KBO Rookie Draft will be held at 2 p.m. on the 21st in the World Crystal Ball Room of Seoul Lotte Hotel.
Drafting will take place from the first round through the eleventh round. Kiwoom, Doosan, KIA, Lotte, KT, NC, Samsung, SSG, Hanwha, and LG will exercise their draft rights in reverse order of the 2025 club standings. From the second round to the eleventh round, the same order will be followed for drafting.
It is virtually certain that Kiwoom will select Ha Hyun-seung, the ace of the Korea-Japan series. In particular, during the final match of the 14th Asian Youth Baseball Championship held in Taiwan on the 13th, he started against Japan, pitched seven innings allowing one hit and two walks while striking out eight batters to secure a scoreless shutout victory, becoming the key figure in their championship win. Over three games in the tournament, his record was three wins with no losses, an ERA of 0.00, and he recorded 25 strikeouts over 15⅔ innings.
Since the draft has not yet taken place, Kiwoom has never officially confirmed Ha Hyun-seung's selection even once. However, it is now considered more strange if Kiwoom does not select Ha Hyun-seung, given his exceptional skills and potential.
Seol Jong-jin, the manager leading Kiwoom, responded to reporters' questions about next season's plans before the match against Doosan Bears held at Jamsil Stadium on the 18th: "First of all, we were too weak in batting during the first half this season. As a result, we utilized two foreign batters. There was synergy in the early part of the second half." He added, "However, I think we need to consider things for next season. Will we use two foreign batters until next season? Or two foreign pitchers? It is too early to say this now. I believe this is a matter to be decided after consulting with the front office following the end of the season."
He further elaborated on the starting rotation: "Below An Woo-jin, there are still young pitchers, so it's unclear what will happen. We need to observe these young players once more during the closing camp. After the season ends, we also need to quickly review data on foreign players."
Most importantly, if Ha Hyun-seung joins Kiwoom, the team is expected to build a formidable starting rotation for next season. If they sign two foreign pitchers, they can utilize a top-tier five-starters rotation in the KBO League consisting of An Woo-jin, Ha Young-min, and Ha Hyun-seung.
When asked about Ha Hyun-seung, Manager Seol smiled and drew a line by saying, "It is likely, but it's not yet confirmed, right?" He continued, "If we select him, we will have more starting options, but he has not yet been verified. Therefore, I don't think we will decide now whether to use him as a starter or a middle reliever. If we do select him, we need to observe him during the closing camp and spring training. Whether he becomes a starter, one of the five or six starters, or even plays as a batter will be decided at that time."
Ha Hyun-seung appeared in 14 games as a pitcher on the high school level this year, achieving four wins with no losses, an ERA of 0.39. Over a total of 45⅔ innings, he recorded 12 walks and 77 strikeouts, posting an overwhelming WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 0.72. As a batter, he played in 24 games, hitting .383 (31 hits in 81 at-bats), with three home runs and 21 RBIs, achieving an on-base percentage of 0.495, a slugging percentage of 0.593, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.088.
When asked about Ha Hyun-seung's batting talent, Manager Seol said, "In fact, I have only heard from others that 'his batting is good,' but since we haven't directly competed against him yet, verification is needed. Currently, he is a high school student who has pitched and played games against other high schoolers. I want to see what kind of pitching he will show in the pros and would like to evaluate it accordingly. From various perspectives, I am cautious about hastily stating that we will use this player as a starter. For now, I will observe and then speak."
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*This content was translated by AI.
