KIA Signs Seven Developmental Players, Including Choe Byeong-yong, Who Returned from the U.S. "Focus on Growth Potential → Will Develop Them Into Players Who Strengthen Team Competitiveness"

*This content was translated by AI.

The KIA Tigers have moved to bolster their future competitiveness by signing seven promising young prospects in a bulk acquisition.

On the 6th, KIA announced that it had signed a total of seven players as developmental contracts: pitchers Lee Jun-hyeok (22) and Choe Seung-hyeok (20), infielders Choe Byeong-yong (24), Lee Ji-won (21) and Song Seung-yeop (23), and outfielders Kim Tae-eon (22) and Ji Seung-gi (22).

The most notable acquisition in this signing is infielder Choe Byeong-yong, who has experience challenging the Major League Baseball (MLB). After graduating from Shinil High School, Choe Byeong-yong was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 20th round (611st overall) of the 2023 MLB Draft, gaining experience on the U.S. stage. His strengths are cited as his power-hitting ability, which stems from his excellent physical condition and fast bat speed. Infielder Lee Ji-won (Daejeon High School-Yonsei University), who joined alongside him, was recognized for his stable hitting ability and diligence, while Song Seung-yeop (Chungam High School-Dongwon University) was acknowledged for his outstanding athleticism and solid fundamentals.

Two right-handed pitchers capable of contributing immediately were added to the pitching staff. Lee Jun-hyeok, a graduate of Gwangju Il High School and Hanyang University, is a starting pitcher candidate whose game management skills have been verified based on his excellent physical attributes. Choe Seung-hyeok, from Gwangju Dongseong High School and Busan University of Science and Technology, is evaluated as having powerful breaking balls with sharp trajectories and large movement.

Promising players possessing hitting talent and a balance in pitching, fielding, and baserunning have joined the outfield corps. Kim Tae-eon, who attended Busan High School and Dongwon College of Science and Technology, is a hitter who has consistently recorded a high batting average in this season's college league based on his precise contact ability. Ji Seung-gi, from Seoul Automotive High School and Hanil Yonsei University, demonstrated stable performance across pitching, fielding, and baserunning by leveraging his excellent physical condition and mobility.

A KIA club official explained, "Although they were unfortunately not selected in the rookie draft, we carefully selected players we had been keeping an eye on through rigorous testing." The official added, "We focused on each player's potential and growth possibilities, and through the club's systematic development system and provision of continuous playing opportunities, we will nurture them into players who contribute to the first division roster in the future."

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*This content was translated by AI.