'Reality Becomes Kim Ji-woo': Seoul High's Kim Ji-woo Selected Second Overall by Doosan, Vows to Become a Player Like Kim Dong-joo Who Excels in Hitting, Fielding, and Base Running [2027 KBO Rookie Draft]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ji-woo (18), a two-way pitcher-hitter from Seoul High who had previously turned down offers from Major League Baseball (MLB) teams in the United States worth at least $1.5 million (approximately 2 billion won), is finally beginning his professional career in the KBO League.

Doosan Bears General Manager Kim Tae-yong, at the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft held on the 21st at the World Crystal Ball Room of Seoul Lotte Hotel, said, "We have selected a position player for three consecutive years," and called out Kim Ji-woo's name as the second overall pick in the first round. In response to being drafted, Kim Ji-woo stated, "I couldn't play much this year due to injuries, so I sincerely thank Doosan Bears for selecting me. I am grateful to my coaches Lee Soo-cho, Gangnam Middle School, and Seoul High school, as well as all the coaches who have guided me thus far. My only desire is to dedicate myself to the team. I understand that Seoul High has produced a first-round pick for seven consecutive years; I hope the juniors perform well so that we can continue that glory next year. The player I want to emulate is Kim Dong-joo. Like Senior Kim Dong-joo, I want to become a player who excels in hitting, fielding, and base running."

Kim Ji-woo is one of the position players who received the highest evaluations in this year's rookie draft. Although he was also recognized for his pitching competitiveness, he made it clear early on that he would compete as a position player. His batting performance before the injury was impressive. As a batter this year, Kim Ji-woo appeared in 14 games, recording a .422 batting average (19 hits in 45 at-bats), 2 home runs, 19 RBIs, 12 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases, with an on-base percentage of .444, slugging percentage of .689, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.133. As a pitcher, he recorded 2 wins and 1 loss with a 4.91 ERA over 8 games, striking out 15 batters in 11⅓ innings.

The United States also took note of his potential early on. In June, multiple MLB teams offered Kim Ji-woo contracts worth at least $1.5 million. American clubs presented not only their intention to develop him as a position player but also specific growth plans for him.

Kim Ji-woo was initially inclined toward going to the United States. However, his final choice was the KBO League. In a previous interview with StarNews, Kim Ji-woo said, "I wanted to be recognized for greater value in the future and play baseball happily rather than earning money right now," adding, "I judged that proving myself first in the KBO League before going to the United States would be a better choice for me."

His determination to play as a position player was firm. He stated, "Since I was young, I felt excited and had fun playing as a position player. When pitching, I personally did not feel much enjoyment," and emphasized, "Playing as a position player allows me to appear in games almost every day and receive support from fans. It suits my personality better, and I have confidence in it."

The variable was injury. Kim Ji-woo suffered a finger fracture during the high school-college all-star game in June, preventing him from playing many games in the latter half of the season. Consequently, his health status and game readiness were considered variables until just before the draft.

Nevertheless, he did not easily fall out of contention for a top selection. This is because he had already demonstrated clear tools for growth as a professional baseball player, including excellent physical attributes, power-hitting ability, and athletic skills.

A scout for a KBO team previously told StarNews, "Although he couldn't show much due to injuries this year, he is a player with excellent physical attributes and potential. I don't think his draft position will easily drop."

The 2027 KBO Rookie Draft is a full draft, with selections made from the first round through the eleventh round. The order of selection rights follows the reverse order of the 2025 team standings: Kiwoom, Doosan, KIA, Lotte, KT, NC, Samsung, SSG, Hanwha, and LG.

According to KBO regulations, there is only one rookie draft right trade allowed for 2027. The sole instance occurred on November 25 last year when NC Dinos acquired the 27th pick in the third round by trading catcher Park Se-hyeok (36) to Samsung Lions. As a result, NC will select 12 players, Samsung will select 10, and the other eight teams will each select 11, totaling 110 players who will wear KBO team uniforms.

This year's rookie draft eligible candidates include 891 high school graduates, 326 university graduates, 43 early draft applicants, and 20 other players from overseas amateur and professional backgrounds, totaling 1,280 individuals.

Players who participated in the KBO Next-Level Training Camp, an annual event held by KBO since 2022 to focus on developing promising amateur talent, are also participating in this draft. In the 2026 KBO Rookie Draft, 20 players were selected, with four of them chosen in the first round.

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*This content was translated by AI.