"I will become Korea's top left-handed pitcher" — 152 km/h, first-round pick Lee Yun-seong signs for 250 million won... SSG seals contracts with all 11 rookies

*This content was translated by AI.

Pro baseball team SSG Landers has completed contracts with all 11 rookies from the 2027 draft who will join them in the era of the Cheongra Dome starting in 2028. Lee Yun-seong (18, Masan High School), selected eighth overall in the first round, begins his professional career with a signing bonus of 250 million won.

On the 6th, SSG officially announced, "We have completed entry contracts with all 11 rookie players selected in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft."

Lee Yun-seong received the largest signing bonus. A left-hander standing 183 cm tall and weighing 95 kg, he was highly evaluated by the team for his fast pitches reaching up to 150 km/h, diverse breaking balls, excellent muscle strength, and strong physical stamina. He had been identified as a first-round candidate early on, having recorded top speeds of up to 152 km/h since late last year. SSG views Lee Yun-seong as a key resource that can be utilized in both the starting rotation and the bullpen in the future.

After completing his contract, Lee Yun-seong expressed his feelings, saying, "I am so happy to have joined SSG Landers, a prestigious club. As I was selected in the first round, I will prepare diligently and show you good pitching on the first division stage as soon as possible."

Gwak Do-hyeon (18, Busan Public High School), picked in the second round, signed for a signing bonus of 150 million won. A right-hander with an overwhelming physique of 195 cm and 100 kg, his strengths are fast pitches reaching up to 148 km/h and game management ability. Gwak Do-hyeon said, "I am truly happy and excited to join SSG Landers. I am grateful to the team for believing in me and selecting me," adding, "I will do my best to learn more in the pros, fill in my shortcomings, and become a player who contributes to the team."

In this draft, SSG focused particularly on strengthening the future of its pitching staff. Yong Seok-min (18, Kyungdong High School), selected in the third round, signed for 100 million won. A left-hander standing 185 cm tall, he is noted for his smooth arm swing and deception that makes it difficult for batters to see the ball. Shin Hyeong-seung (18, Cheongwon High School), picked in the fourth round, signed for 80 million won. With Lee Yun-seong, Yong Seok-min, and Shin Hyeong-seung, SSG secured three left-handed pitchers in the top four rounds, thickening its pitching depth for the future.

Outfielder Jang Min-je (18, Chungam High School), selected in the fifth round, signed for 70 million won, while infielder Yoo Eun-jong (20, Busan University of Foreign Studies) was contracted in the sixth round for 60 million won. Following that, right-hander Jo Yong-jun (19, Daegu High School) signed for 50 million won in the seventh round, and right-hander Shin Dong-hyeon (19, Seoul Convention High School) signed for 40 million won in the eighth round. Outfielder Lee Si-eon (20, Dongguk University), picked in the ninth round, also contracted for 40 million won, while catcher Wang Ji-hoon (20, Chung-Ang University) and right-hander Bang Jae-sang (18, Gunsan Sangil High School), selected in the tenth and eleventh rounds respectively, will each receive 30 million won.

Among the 11th players SSG selected in this draft, seven are pitchers. Starting with Lee Yun-seong and Gwak Do-hyeon, the team secured a large number of pitching resources including Yong Seok-min, Shin Hyeong-seung, Jo Yong-jun, Shin Dong-hyeon, and Bang Jae-sang. In addition to these, SSG reinforced all positions by adding outfielders Jang Min-je and Lee Si-eon, infielder Yoo Eun-jong, and catcher Wang Ji-hoon. Immediately after the draft, SSG evaluated, "In accordance with our pre-draft strategy, we proceeded with selections based on skill level, securing a total of three excellent left-handed pitching resources that were targeted in the upper rounds to enhance team depth," adding, "We also secured high-level resources in the middle rounds and evenly selected players with potential at each position among the position players."

In particular, first-round pick Lee Yun-seong is one of the key pitching candidates for the "Cheongra Dome era" that SSG is preparing for. He stated his ambition immediately after being drafted, saying, "I will become the best left-handed pitcher in Korean baseball once I go to the pros."

The 11 rookies who completed their contracts will participate in the "High Rookie Day" event held on the 7th at Incheon SSG Landers Field, where they will officially greet SSG fans for the first time.

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*This content was translated by AI.