'Left-handed starter + MLB slugger' exactly the picture KT wanted... Also secured a 'slider-throwing right-handed ace' with 2R-level talent in the 3rd round

*This content was translated by AI.

The No. 1 team in professional baseball, KT Wiz, secured both the future and the present even in the rookie draft.

On the 21st at the World Crystal Ball Room of Seoul Lotte Hotel, where the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft was held, KT selected Lee Seung-won (18·Yusin High School) in the first round, followed by Choi Jib-ji (35·Ulsan Whales), Kim Ji-yul (18·Chungam High School), Choi Min-sang (18·Masan Yongma High School), Kim Dong-young (18·Gongju High School), Kim Jimin (18·Seongnam High School), Choi Min-young (18·Yatab High School), Jo Young-woo (22·Yonsei University), Kim Dan (18·Hwimun High School), Ahn Woo-seok (18·Gyeongnam High School), and Lee Ji-hyo (18·Jangam High School) for a total of 11 players.

While prioritizing the reinforcement of a shortage in left-handed pitchers and infielders, KT did not hesitate when clear immediate-impact resources appeared. Overall, the team looked several years ahead while focusing on selecting the most needed resources at each pick. KT General Manager Na Doo-hyun (55) commented, "We were able to draft the players we had reviewed in advance as expected, so overall I am satisfied."

In this year's draft, 22 college players were called. However, KT did not simply increase the number of college pitchers. This is because there are already quite a few young pitchers who need to be developed in the Futures League.

KT Scouting Team Head Lee Chung-moo explained to StarNews after the draft, "College graduates can certainly be deployed quickly in actual games, but we have many pitchers in the Futures League who have not yet reached the first division." He added, "If we pick more college players, they will eventually need game time, which could be limited. Our direction was slightly different. We looked a bit further into the future."

The player symbolizing this direction is Lee Seung-won, selected fifth overall. Lee underwent surgery on the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of his elbow last year and could only pitch in 6 games for 5⅔ innings this year. However, KT placed a higher value on his 190cm physical condition, stable control, and game management ability.

Injury did not block the selection. GM Na said, "There is a set rehabilitation process after MCL surgery, and we believe he is currently within the normal range. His shoulder had no original issues." He explained, "If we manage the typical recovery period well, I think the MCL will not be a major issue next year."

Team Head Lee also said, "We considered Lee Ho-min and also viewed Kim Min-hoon quite favorably. In the end, as we were looking for a pitcher, we chose Lee Seung-won." He added, "He has excellent physical conditions with his left hand and was needed as a starter resource. Rather than rushing, we looked to the future and secured good resources."

In the second round, the direction changed completely. KT selected Choi Jib-ji, who has appeared in 525 career Major League games. KT evaluated him as an immediate-impact first baseman and designated hitter with abundant experience and power-hitting ability. Originally, Choi Jib-ji was also expected to be drafted in the first round. There was no reason to hesitate until the second round for a male player.

GM Na said, "As part of our team's composition, it is very gratifying that we have acquired a first baseman and designated hitter who can be utilized as immediate resources." He added, "We consulted with the manager regarding injury sites, etc. We must create an environment so the player can deliver his best performance."

Kim Ji-yul of the third round is one of KT's most satisfying selections in this draft. He is evaluated as a player who was well secured at the 2R level. GM Na stated, "Upon joining, we will customize innings and pitch counts for each player through medical checks." He also revealed plans to provide programs so players can improve their own conditioning during recovery.

The evaluation from the scouting field is even stronger. Team Head Lee said, "Among right-handed pitchers, I consider Kim Ji-yul's slider to be top-tier. He can adjust his slider as he wishes." He evaluated, "A pitcher with many strikeouts ultimately means they have a definitive breaking ball." He added, "When thrown short, it reaches speeds of 145~146 km/h. His body still feels young, so there is room for more strength to develop. If he trains systematically, I believe his velocity can rise sufficiently."

The criteria for selecting infielders were also clear. They preferred players with a definite position over those whose future path was uncertain. Choi Min-sang of the fourth round and Kim Dong-young of the fifth round are representative examples.

Choi Min-sang is a resource who has guarded third base throughout his time at Masan Yongma High School. He also received an evaluation as having the best defense among third basemen this year. Team Head Lee said, "His batting was not quite good this year, but he hit well last year and has basic power. Most importantly, (Choi) Min-sang can play third base. He is not a player who needs to change positions; he is strictly a third baseman." He emphasized, "Min-sang has basic power. We viewed him as having the requirements necessary for a third baseman."

The defensive evaluation for Kim Dong-young was even stronger. Team Head Lee said, "He defends really well. Among this year's player pool, he is the one I clearly thought of as 'the shortstop'." He explained, "His movement and overall speed are slightly faster than Lee Kang-min, who we drafted last year. If Lee Kang-min feels stable, Kim Dong-young is a bit more nimble." Regarding batting, he added, "(Kim) Dong-young has good contact skills and hits well on drives. Since his fundamentals are good, we expect him to be developed well over time."

Catcher Choi Min-young of the seventh round was also selected based on clear strengths. KT first looked at players who had grown into professional catchers from a young age and those with strong arms. Team Head Lee said, "If we look only at the shoulder, Choi Min-young could be the best." He added, "His pop time can come in under 2 seconds soon. In terms of arm strength alone, he is among the best in our evaluation."

Jo Young-woo of the eighth round is a left-handed pitcher who can be utilized immediately in the Futures League. Regarding Jo Young-woo, who transferred from Yusin High School to Yonsei University, Team Head Lee said, "He is left-handed and has good control. He also uses his slider frequently as a breaking ball." He evaluated, "He is at a level where he can play in current Futures League games. His biggest advantage is that his batting average doesn't show well. Especially when pitching, his arm is well hidden from behind, providing excellent deception. He has gained much more strength than during high school. While his velocity is slightly lacking, the power of the ball itself has improved."

Considering KT's left-handed bullpen situation, there is also a high possibility of immediate utilization. Team Head Lee noted, "We do not have many left-handed bullpen resources on our team. It may be difficult to say he can play in the first division immediately, but he has good control and can at least pitch games."

Kim Dan of the ninth round is a typical developmental raw material. Since he recently switched from position player to pitcher, his completeness is low, but data such as fastball rotation rates measuring up to 2500~2600 rpm was noticeable. Team Head Lee said, "All data values are quite high, above the professional average." He added, "If polished well as a pitcher, he will be a player with various charms."

Ahn Woo-seok of the tenth round is also a player KT believed would remain on their list longer than expected. While he played shortstop at Gyeongnam High School, they view him as a second base resource in professional baseball. Lee Chung-mu (Team Lead) said, "(Ahn) Woo-seok has large hands and strength. He is fast and plays baseball with determination."

With this, they completed 11 selections by adding right-handed pitcher Kim Jimin of the sixth round and infielder Lee Ji-hyo of the eleventh round. There was also a criterion that KT did not want to miss in player evaluation: 'character.' Team Head Lee emphasized, "Regardless of skill, character is extremely important. Since team atmosphere matters, one must have good character fundamentally." He added, "Even if someone plays baseball well, it will not be easy if they hinder team chemistry."

KT did not weigh too heavily on just one side in the 2027 Rookie Draft. In the first round, they secured a future left-handed starter whom the club said they had been "waiting for that player alone." In the second round, they immediately captured an MLB slugger who remained unexpectedly available. Additionally, they added Kim Ji-yul, evaluated as a 2R-level talent; infielders with definite defensive positions; a left-handed pitcher who can be utilized in the Futures League immediately; and a developmental raw material with outstanding data.

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*This content was translated by AI.