'It's only 5 and 2/3 innings in his third year': Why Yushin High left-hander Lee Seung-won is still classified as a first-round candidate

*This content was translated by AI.

There was virtually nothing to show during his third-year season. Yet the name of Yushin High left-hander Lee Seung-won (18) remains firmly on the list of 2027 KBO Rookie Draft first-round candidates.

Lee made six appearances this year, posting a record of one win with no losses and an ERA of 3.00. His total innings pitched were merely 5 and 2/3. Although he recorded just one walk and six strikeouts, the sample size itself was too small to fully dispel concerns about his health and the possibility of increased velocity for a player who underwent surgery on the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left elbow last June and has since returned.

Nevertheless, Lee Seung-won remains remembered by scouts from both the KBO League and Major League Baseball (MLB) as a 'first-round caliber left-hander.' Excluding Ha Hyun-seung (18·Busan High), who is the clear favorite for the overall first pick, he is considered alongside Park Geun-seo (18·Seoul Design High) as the next most prominent left-handed pitcher.

The reason lies in the overwhelming impression of his completed skill set from earlier years. Standing at 190 centimeters according to the Korea Baseball and Softball Association (KBSA), Lee drew attention as a highly polished left-hander even upon entering Yushin High. While his fastball topped out in the early 130 km/h range during his first year, he possessed weapons beyond mere velocity.

He demonstrated precise control and strong game management skills. Even at a young age, he freely mixed sliders, curves, and changeups, adjusting his pace according to batters' reactions. His ability to avoid walks and consistently throw the ball where he intended stood out among pitchers of the same age group.

A recent MLB scout told StarNews: "Lee's performance in his first year was exceptionally good. Even if his velocity hadn't peaked before surgery, it was still above average for a first-year player, and nowadays there are very few pitchers with such precise control." The scout continued, "His command and game management were truly remarkable. Given that he already showed a high level of polish in his first year, scouts likely anticipated what could happen if he added more strength to his arsenal."

In fact, Lee began meeting expectations as soon as he entered his second year. His fastball velocity, which had hovered in the early 130 km/h range, climbed to 144 km/h. During last year's E-Mart Cup Hwimun High School Tournament, he delivered a perfect game with nine strikeouts over six innings without allowing a single baserunner. He not only increased his velocity but also maintained his existing command and game management abilities, turning the earlier assessment that "he just needs to add more strength" into reality.

Then his elbow became an obstacle, making 2026 a crucial year. While Lee was unable to pitch due to surgery, he gained weight from 82 kg to 90 kg. During rehabilitation, he focused on improving mobility and explosiveness, and upon his return, he threw pitches reaching up to 144 km/h.

He did not spend as much time on the mound as expected. However, his overall evaluation has not significantly declined because Lee's strengths extend beyond just peak velocity. At 190 cm tall, he possesses the rarity of being a left-hander, along with the command and game management skills he demonstrated since his first year of high school. Most importantly, when scouts evaluate Lee Seung-won, they recall more the two-year process before his surgery than the brief 5 and 2/3 innings after it.

The fact that this year's draft landscape remained in a state of constant uncertainty until the end cannot be overlooked. Promising third-year players like Lee failed to deliver overwhelming performances throughout the year due to injuries and poor form. Additionally, several players rated as first-round candidates, including Eom Jun-sang (18·Deoksu High), Park Chan-min (18·Gwangju Il High), and Nam Hyun-woo (18·Seoul Convention High), chose to challenge themselves in Major League Baseball, while other potential first-round picks faced allegations of school violence.

As the top-tier draft order became increasingly unstable, each team's decision-making grew even more difficult. In fact, just before the Rookie Draft, multiple KBO club officials expressed that "it is hard to predict who will be selected after the fifth pick."

For Lee Seung-won, this chaotic situation paradoxically served as a backdrop that once again highlighted his value. Judging solely by this year's performance, there are certainly shortcomings. However, he has already demonstrated sufficient polish and growth potential as a starting pitcher during his first and second years, along with the rarity of being a left-hander. With other top candidates facing their own uncertainties, the assessment that Lee remains a viable choice based on the strengths confirmed in the past continues to hold true.

Of course, there are clear risks. It remains unconfirmed whether his health and ability to handle long innings after elbow surgery, as well as the anticipated increase in velocity, will translate into reality at the professional level. Nevertheless, the Rookie Draft is not a platform for evaluating players based solely on their third-year performance. Scouts consider current polish, past talent, and future growth potential together.

In scouts' minds, the image of the Yushin High left-hander who dominated games by freely utilizing the strike zone before his elbow injury remains vivid. That is why Lee Seung-won continues to be mentioned as a first-round candidate despite having only 5 and 2/3 innings in his third year.

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*This content was translated by AI.