'157㎞ fastball still available even at the 10th pick': Why LG looked beyond 'immediate impact' to the 'ceiling'... Even secured the top-ranked catcher with careful planning

*This content was translated by AI.

'Even at the 10th overall pick, LG Twins' standards remained largely unchanged. Rather than selecting players needed immediately, they chose the player with the highest potential available at that spot, while also securing some immediate impact resources along the way.

'At the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft held on the 21st, LG selected a total of 11 players: four pitchers, two catchers, four infielders, and one outfielder.

'LG Scout Team Leader Baek Seong-jin said, "We are satisfied that good players came as we hoped. We added two reliable right-handed pitchers who can throw at speeds up to 150㎞ per hour in the upper rounds, and also brought in a catcher we consider the top-ranked among this year's draft class." He added, "In the middle rounds, we successfully executed our strategy by reinforcing positions like outfield. Considering it was the 10th pick overall, it was a good draft."

'This year's rookie draft remained competitive until the very end. Highly anticipated high school senior prospects failed to stand out as expected due to injuries and poor performance, leaving each team with ongoing concerns right up to draft day.

'Of the 110th total draftees, pitchers accounted for 62, well over half. There were 11 catchers, 28 infielders, and 9 outfielders. With 87 high school players, 22 college players, and one overseas-born player, the distribution of relatively complete resources was unprecedented in history.

'At the event, it was noted that this year's graduating high school students had to focus on building fundamentals during the COVID-19 pandemic, making them a variable factor. Particularly, evaluations indicated significant variation in fielders' defensive fundamentals, leading KBO teams to pursue a dual strategy of selecting both immediate impact players and those fitting their current roster composition.

'LG made a slightly different choice within this trend. Having consistently achieved high rankings recently and built confidence in its development system, and having received the latest pick due to last year's championship, LG instead adopted a strategy of selecting "the highest ceiling among remaining players" at each round.

'A prime example is 1st-round pick Yoon Ye-seong (17, Inchang High School). Standing 191㎝ tall and weighing 105㎏, he throws an official top speed of 154㎞/h and unofficially up to 157㎞/h. He can throw a curveball, slider, changeup, and splitter, with a modified knucklecurve tailored to his style as his primary weapon. During the season, he even stated, "I want to become a starting pitcher who throws all 100 pitches at over 150㎞/h," showing strong ambition as a starter.

'However, in the second half of the season, he became overly focused on throwing even faster, causing his balance and control to waver. During preparations for the Asian Youth Championship, he experienced mild discomfort in his elbow, preventing him from performing perfectly until the final showcase. Yet, ironically, this allowed LG to secure top-level potential still available at the 10th overall pick. This mirrors last year's selection of Yang Woo-jin, who had a history of injuries.

'LG Club stated, "Yoon Ye-seong has good stamina and flexibility based on his tall stature and throws a fastball exceeding 150㎞/h. He also possesses sharp angles on his slider and curveball. Particularly, he can effectively use his curveball as a count pitch or decision pitch, and has the potential to secure strikes by utilizing various pitches."

'3rd-round pick Kim Dong-ju (22, Yonsei University) is the catcher LG evaluated highest in this draft. Although he went undrafted twice—once upon graduating from Jangchung High School and again during his sophomore year's early draft—he completely transformed his body and playing style at Yonsei University. While an offensive-type catcher, his 2nd base pop time averages 1.9 seconds, and his defensive fundamentals are not poor.

'LG Club stated, "Kim Dong-ju is an offensive-type catcher with accuracy and power, combining a powerful swing with extra-base hit capability. Additionally, he possesses solid defensive fundamentals and reliable throwing ability."

'9th-round pick Park Hyun-min (18, Deoksu High School) is also a developing right-handed pitcher with excellent physique at 192㎝ and a fast fastball. LG Club stated, "He has superior physical conditions combined with flexibility, and his fast fastball is an asset. His high elbow height results in good pitch angles and power at the end of the ball. He possesses great potential as a pitcher, and his growth prospects are highly anticipated."

'6th-round pick Lee Ha-ram (19, Seoul Convention High School) demonstrated both pitching and hitting talent, but LG plans to focus on developing him as an outfielder by leveraging his strong arm and hitting ability. LG Club explained, "He makes aggressive swings with a concise and smooth motion, enabling solid contact along the sweet spot. Defensively, he shows strength in throwing based on his powerful arm."

'It was not just about looking toward the future. 2nd-round pick Im Ho-yoon (19, Hwimun High School) is evaluated as a pitcher who can quickly reach the first team. His strengths include a fastball reaching up to 152㎞/h and stable control. Hwimun High School Coach Oh Tae-geun told StarNews after the draft, "Ho-yoon has a fast 152㎞/h fastball and a fluid body. His control is solid, and his fastball has power, so we expect him to be an immediate impact player."

'LG Club also emphasized, "He maintains good upper and lower body balance when pitching and has decent control to throw strikes. His arm swing is fast, and the impact of his delivery creates excellent backspin on the ball."

'7th-round pick Jo Beom-gyu (21, Dankook University) is also a right-handed pitcher who improved his game management skills and stable control at the university level, with expectations for quick first-team entry. LG Club stated, "He has a fast pitching tempo and aggressive style. His upper and lower body balance allows natural weight transfer." They added, "His pitching balance is consistent, and his concise arm swing ensures stable control."

'Infielders were also well covered. 4th-round pick Kim Seo-jun (18, Sangdong High School) is a reliable infielder who recorded a .420 batting average and 15 stolen bases this year. 5th-round pick Kim Geon (18, Jinyoung High School) is a shortstop resource with a .492 batting average, fast speed, and excellent defensive instincts.

'LG Club stated, "Kim Seo-jun has solid defensive fundamentals and possesses great instincts and feel, showing overall stability in his play. He has good plate vision and maintains a stable batting balance with an excellent swing path." Regarding Kim Geon, they explained, "He has good bat speed and a short swing, resulting in excellent batting balance. His first step at defense is quick, and his fielding instincts are outstanding, leading us to judge him as a promising shortstop."

'8th-round pick Lee Jeong-ho (22, Dongguk University) offers high infield defensive versatility, while 10th-round pick Lee Dong-wook (18, Seongnam High School) is a middle-to-long-range infielder capable of producing powerful hits. Lee Dong-wook is also the son of former LG hitting coach and current NC Dinos manager Lee Ho-jun (50).

'LG Club stated, "Lee Jeong-ho possesses solid contact ability, a concise swing, and good batting balance. His quick decision-making at defense and wide field of vision allow him to move appropriately according to game situations." They further praised Lee Dong-wook, saying, "He has excellent power and wrist strength, enabling him to generate powerful hits. As a middle-to-long-range hitter, his offensive capability is a clear asset."

'In the final 11th round, LG selected catcher Jeon Yul-bin (18, Gwangju Dongseong High School). LG stated, "His speed in removing the ball after catching and accurate throwing using his strong arm are strengths. He also has the ability to make solid contact at the plate, creating powerful hits while maintaining good batting balance."

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*This content was translated by AI.