"I want to get Kim Do-young out with a look at a fastball" — Left-handed pitcher Park Geun-seo, clocked at 149 km/h, selected 4th overall by Lotte! Father sang 'La Bamba' in joy [2027 Rookie Draft]

*This content was translated by AI.

This year, Seoul Design High School left-handed pitcher Park Geun-seo (18), who saw the steepest rise in draft stock, has put on a Lotte Giants uniform as the 4th overall pick.

On the 21st, Lotte used its first-round, 4th overall selection at the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft held at the World Crystal Ball Room of Seoul Lotte Hotel to select Park Geun-seo.

When his son's name was called, Park Geun-seo's father could not hide his joy. He celebrated his son's selection by Lotte by singing enthusiastically on site. Park Geun-seo also thought of his family first. He said, "I am able to stand here today thanks to my family," expressing his gratitude.

When asked which batter he most wants to face in the pros, he gave a confident answer. Park Geun-seo stated, "I want to face Kim Do-young, who is currently hitting the best," and added firmly, "I want to get him out with a look at a fastball."

Park Geun-seo, who rose to the 4th overall pick, was one of the players showing the steepest upward trajectory in this year's rookie draft. Having played for Baengma Middle School and Hong-eun Middle School before transferring to Seoul Design High School via Chungam High School, Park is a left-handed pitcher with a sturdy build measuring 188 cm and weighing 95 kg according to the Korea Baseball & Softball Association (KBSA). His fastest pitch, clocked at 149 km/h, is his greatest weapon.

Even before his third-year season began, he was not widely known as a top-tier candidate. However, starting from the E-Mart Cup, he drew scouts' attention with powerful pitching. By the time of the Bonghwangdaegi tournament, he had recorded 3 wins with no losses in 10 games, an ERA of 2.50, and 54 strikeouts over 35⅔ innings. In last June's high school and college all-star game, he struck out four batters over two innings and was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.

He is not just a pitcher with a fast ball. He has refined the movement of his curveball, increased the drop of his changeup, and developed a short-breaking cutter, enhancing his completeness as a starting pitcher. A Major League (ML) scout previously told StarNews, "Park Geun-seo has excellent hardware, and there is room for his velocity to increase further," adding, "In terms of pitching mechanics and stamina, he can certainly compete as a starter in the KBO."

Although he attracted interest from American clubs, Park Geun-seo chose the KBO. After undergoing elbow surgery in his first year and going through long rehabilitation, he proved his value by his third year and ultimately secured the 4th overall pick.

The 2027 KBO Rookie Draft is a full draft, with selections running from Round 1 to Round 11. The order of selection follows the reverse standings of the 2025 season: Kiwoom, Doosan, KIA, Lotte, KT, NC, Samsung, SSG, Hanwha, and LG.

According to KBO regulations, there is only one rookie draft pick trade allowed for 2027. On November 25 last year, NC Dinos traded catcher Park Se-hyeok (36) to Samsung Lions in exchange for the 27th pick in the third round. As a result, NC will select 12 players, Samsung will select 10, and the other eight teams will each select 11, totaling 110 selections.

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, for a total of 1,280 players.

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*This content was translated by AI.