‘1R Lee Seung-won, 250 million won’ KT completes contracts with all 11 rookies for 2027, including Choi Ji-min on a ‘0 won signing bonus’ deal

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KT Wiz has completed contracts with all 11 of its 2027 rookies, ranging from Lee Seung-won (18, Yuseong High School), whom the team has identified as a future starting pitcher, to Choi Ji-min (35, Ulsan Whales), who has hit 67 career home runs in Major League Baseball (MLB).

On the 6th, KT officially announced, “We have completed signing contracts with all 11 rookie players selected in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft.”

The player who received the largest signing bonus was Lee Seung-won, selected fifth overall in the first round. KT signed Lee with a signing bonus of 250 million won. The left-hander, who stands at 190 cm and possesses a strong physique, underwent medial collateral ligament (MCL) surgery on his left elbow last year, limiting him to six appearances and 5⅔ innings in this year’s senior season. However, he was highly evaluated for the stable control and game management he has demonstrated since his lower school years, as well as his ability to freely mix sliders, curves, and changeups.

After his return, he recorded a maximum pitch speed of 144 km/h. KT expressed strong confidence in Lee as a future starting pitcher resource, stating at the time of the draft that they had been “waiting only for Lee Seung-won.” Recently, at Rookie Day held at Suwon KT Wiz Park, Lee stated his resolve: “In the pros, I may not be ready immediately, but by the second half of next year, I want to build a solid and sturdy body so that I can play baseball without pain and give my best effort.”

In the second round, they secured a rookie of an entirely different nature. Choi Ji-min is a veteran who has recorded 525 games and 67 home runs in MLB. He participated in the rookie draft after playing for the Ulsan Whales this year, and KT selected him 15th overall. As overseas professional players are not eligible for rookie signing bonuses under KBO regulations, there is no separate signing bonus. KT highly valued his experience and power-hitting ability as an immediate-impact first baseman and designated hitter resource.

Kim Ji-yul (18, Chungam High School), a right-hander selected in the third round, signed with a signing bonus of 100 million won. Evaluated as a second-round-caliber pitcher by KT, he throws fastballs at speeds up to 145–146 km/h, with his slider being a particular strength. The team’s scouting staff assessed his slider competitiveness as top-tier among high school right-handers this year and noted that there is potential for increased velocity if he systematically builds his body.

The position players also completed their contracts in turn. Choi Min-sang (18, Masan Yongma High School), selected in the fourth round, signed for 80 million won, while Kim Dong-young (18, Gongju High School), selected in the fifth round, signed for 70 million won. Choi was highly evaluated for his stable third-base defense and fundamental power, while Kim was praised for his quick movements, excellent shortstop defense, and contact ability.

Kim Jimin (18, Seongnam High School), a right-hander selected in the sixth round, signed for 60 million won, and Choi Min-young (18, Yatap High School), a catcher with a strong arm as his strength, selected in the seventh round, signed for 50 million won. Cho Yeong-woo (22, Yonsei University), a left-hander selected in the eighth round, will receive 40 million won. A graduate of Yuseong High School, Cho is evaluated as a resource that can be utilized immediately in the Futures League, with strengths including stable control, a slider, and deception that makes it difficult for batters to see the ball.

Kim Dan (18, Whimoon High School), a right-hander selected in the ninth round, signed for 30 million won. Although he has not long been converted from position player to pitcher, he is a developmental resource that received high marks on data metrics, with his fastball rotation measured at 2,500–2,600 rpm. Infielder An Woo-seok (18, Gyeongnam High School), selected in the tenth round, and infielder Lee Ji-hyo (18, Jang-an High School), selected in the eleventh round, also completed their contracts for 30 million won each.

In the rookie draft on the 21st of last month, KT selected a total of 11 players: five pitchers, one catcher, and five infielders. This was a choice that considered both the present and the future, reinforcing the previously lacking left-handed pitching and infield while securing Lee Seung-won as a future starter, Choi Ji-min as an immediate-impact player, and Kim Ji-yul, who was evaluated as second-round caliber. The 11 rookies, who have already made their first greeting to Suwon fans through Rookie Day on the 4th, will now begin preparing for their professional careers in earnest following the completion of their contracts.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original