Even after three years and five and one-third innings, "we were waiting only for Lee Seung-won": KT's confidence... Yushin High right-hander had already dreamed of the Suwon mound "I often imagined wearing a KT uniform" [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Both sides had been waiting for each other.

KT used its first-round, fifth-overall pick on Lee Seung-won (18), a left-handed pitcher from Yushin High, at the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft held on the 21st in the World Crystal Ball Room at Seoul Lotte Hotel.

It was a precious first-round pick used on a pitcher who underwent elbow surgery and threw only five and two-thirds innings during his third year. However, KT General Manager Noh Do-hyun stated unequivocally after the draft when meeting with reporters: "To be honest, we were waiting only for Lee Seung-won in the first round."

KT was also special to Lee Seung-won. Since Yushin High is located in Suwon, KT's home territory, he naturally visited the Suwon KT Wiz Park frequently. After being drafted, Lee told StarNews: "I often imagined myself wearing a KT uniform. I even visited the stadium several times." He added, "When I see my seniors like (Park) Young-hyun or (So) Hyung-jun pitching, I imagine how great it would be to wear that uniform and pitch there."

The imagination became reality — and at an earlier pick than expected: fifth overall. Lee smiled, saying, "I'm glad they picked me sooner than I thought. It's truly wonderful. Right now, all I can say is that it feels great."

KT did not make this selection without considering the risks. According to the Korea Baseball and Softball Association (KBSA), Lee stands 190 centimeters tall and underwent surgery on his left ulnar collateral ligament (MCL) in June last year. His performance upon return this season was limited to six games, one win with no losses, an ERA of 3.00, five and two-thirds innings pitched, one walk, and six strikeouts — a sample far too small to fully confirm his health and potential for increased velocity after surgery.

Nevertheless, his evaluation did not collapse due to the maturity he displayed in his earlier years. A Major League Baseball (MLB) scout commented after the Bonghwangdae Tournament: "Lee Seung-won's performance as a first-year student was excellent. Nowadays, there are few pitchers with such control." He added, "His control and game management were notably impressive. Scouts expected that if he gained strength, his high level of maturity from his first year would make him stand out."

In fact, Lee's four-seam fastball, which reached the early 130s km/h during his first year, climbed to a maximum of 144 km/h by his second year. At last year's E-Mart Cup Hwimun High School Tournament, he even threw a perfect game with nine strikeouts over six innings. This explains why KT placed greater value on the potential of his two years prior rather than just his five and two-thirds innings as a third-year student.

KT also expressed no major concerns about Lee's current rehabilitation process. General Manager Noh Do-hyun explained, "There is a standard protocol following MCL surgery, and we believe he is within the normal range. His shoulder has never been an issue." He continued, "Recovery typically takes around 16 months. If managed well, I expect no major problems by next year."

A senior from Yushin High also welcomed Lee's joining. Infielder Lee Kang-min (19), selected in the second round by KT last year, said: "Personally, I really wanted Lee Seung-won to be drafted. It makes me as happy as if it were my own day that we can play together professionally, especially at KT." He added, "Seung-won is a pitcher with strong competitiveness on the mound who throws his pitches aggressively. I believe he will succeed in professional baseball." He further noted, "As fellow alumni from Yushin High, I am proud of him. Although our positions differ, I want to help him adapt well to professional life."

Lee did not hide his disappointing third-year season. He admitted, "I didn't show as much as I demonstrated last year during my third year, and there were also struggles," but added firmly, "Because of these experiences, I believe I can become stronger. I want to grow further and firmly imprint the name 'Lee Seung-won' on fans' minds."

The KT uniform he once imagined while watching from the stands during his time at Yushin High has now truly become his own. And KT had been waiting for this moment as well.

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*This content was translated by AI.