Kiwoom manager leaves a congratulatory message for Ha Hyun-seung: "Sincerely welcome... regarding dual-role pitching and batting..."

*This content was translated by AI.

As expected, Kiwoom Heroes selected 'elite high school talent' Ha Hyun-seung. The manager of Kiwoom did not hold back in offering warm welcomes and affectionate advice to the rookie who earned the honor of being chosen first overall in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft. While leaving open the possibility of challenging the professional stage with a dual role (pitching and batting), which has become a major point of interest, he also clarified plans to implement a cautious development process.

In response to the arrival of this top-tier rookie, Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) replied with a bright smile. Speaking to reporters ahead of Doosan Bears' game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul on the 22nd, Seol addressed questions about Ha Hyun-seung by saying, "First of all, congratulations on being selected first overall," and added, "I sincerely welcome you to the Heroes." He then praised Ha's skills, stating, "I watched his pitching through videos and saw him deliver top-tier performance. His breaking balls are also highly refined. I hope he doesn't fear anything on the mound and confidently throws with trust in his own pitches."

Kiwoom exercised its first-round, first-overall pick on Ha Hyun-seung during the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft held at the World Crystal Ball Room of Lotte Hotel in Seoul the previous day (21st). Immediately after being selected, Ha said, "I'm glad to be picked quickly. I'll work hard to join the first team and show good performances." When asked about potential batting opponents, he added, "As a pitcher, I'd like to face Kim Do-young, who is currently the best hitter; as a batter, I want to hit against Korea's ace Kwak Bin." He did not hide his ambition and confidence in both pitching and batting.

Ha Hyun-seung's selection as the first overall pick was anticipated well in advance. According to the Korea Baseball & Softball Association (KBSA), Ha possesses impressive physical attributes: 194 cm tall and weighing 94 kg. He throws a powerful fastball reaching speeds up to 152 km/h.

His performance this year was equally overwhelming. As a pitcher, he appeared in 14 games, recording 4 wins with no losses, an ERA of 0.39, striking out 77 batters over 45⅔ innings while issuing only 12 walks. He suppressed batting average against and posted an impressive WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of just 0.72. His batting talent was also exceptional. As a batter, he played in 24 games, hitting .383 (31 hits in 81 at-bats), with 3 home runs, 21 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.088, showcasing complete skills on both offense and defense.

Regarding the highly debated issue of 'dual-role pitching and batting,' he remained cautious yet open-minded. Even during the draft event, Kiwoom General Manager Heo Seung-pil referred to Ha Hyun-seung as both a pitcher and a batter.

Manager Seol Jong-jin stated, "Regarding the dual role, we plan to discuss it in depth with the front office and coaching staff after the season ends to determine the team's development direction." He added, "It seems the player himself expressed interest during interviews. We will take that into full consideration and decide on the direction together."

However, he emphasized thorough verification regarding the timing of his first-team debut and detailed deployment plans. Manager Seol said, "After communicating carefully with the player and observing his spring training process, we believe we need to make a final decision on when he will debut in the first team." He further stressed, "All relevant departments, including the training staff and data analysis team, will come together to discuss the best way to enhance Ha Hyun-seung's skills."

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*This content was translated by AI.