"Noh Si-hwan is a perfect fit for the NYY, STL, SEA, and LAA," MLB has already singled out Kim Do-young: "Even in the U.S., he can hit 20 to 25 home runs"

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The eyes of Major League Baseball (MLB) are once again turning toward the KBO League. While reporting on the posting news for Noh Si-hwan (26, Hanwha Eagles), who is aiming to enter MLB this winter, the publication also highlighted domestic players who may soon approach their dream of becoming big leaguers.

MLB.com, the official MLB website, published an article titled "Noh Si-hwan, the frontrunner among next-generation KBO stars seeking MLB entry" on the 2nd (Korean time).

MLB.com introduced Noh Si-hwan's performance this season and mentioned the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Angels as suitable teams. These are teams that need reinforcement at the hot corner.

The outlet stated, "Noh Si-hwan signed an 11-year contract extension with the Hanwha Eagles last season, but it included a clause allowing him to be posted this winter." It added, "With his transfer officially possible through the posting system, MLB scouts have highly evaluated his power, calling him a 'third baseman with big power' who will work at the major league level."

However, there are also drawbacks. MLB.com reported, "Despite having a strong arm capable of maintaining that position, he was evaluated as 'a bit weak defensively.'"

The key question is how well his third base defense will hold up. "His potential entry into MLB, where he also played for the national team at this spring's World Baseball Classic (WBC), depends on whether major league teams value his hitting ability enough to use him as a designated hitter (DH) and whether they can match the scale of his KBO contract, which reaches approximately $21.3 million. Noh Si-hwan's negotiation deadline expires at 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on December 1."

Furthermore, MLB.com introduced players who will knock on the door of the U.S. stage within the next few years, starting with Noh Si-hwan.

"If Noh Si-hwan is the immediate target, young KBO League flagship stars like Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers) and Gwak Bin (Doosan Bears) have already clearly made their names on MLB scouts' 'future acquisition lists,'" the article stated. It added, "Combining recent local media reports with anonymous MLB scout evaluations, big league teams have been meticulously tracking the potential and value of KBO League players for several years."

The outlet introduced Kim Do-young's MVP-level performance this season, stating, "After breaking through his potential by recording the youngest 30-30 (home runs and stolen bases) in KBO history two years ago—missing a 40-40 mark by just two home runs—Kim Do-young has instilled expectations among major league fans."

It continued, "Unfortunately, due to a hamstring injury, he was limited to 30 games in 2025, meaning he is no longer playing as frequently as before. Last season, his stolen bases were also just 11." However, it evaluated that this would not be an issue for teams seeking a powerful hitter who hit a career-high 45 home runs this season and again smashed a home run with the national team at the WBC held in March.

It also offered a rosy outlook. MLB.com reported, "Scouts see him settling in as a hitter who will hit 20 to 25 home runs in the big leagues, stating 'he definitely has power and offensive capability.' They noted that 'the offensive capability alone is valuable,' evaluating that Kim Do-young is an excellent hitter who can attack fastballs and adapt to off-speed pitches and breaking balls, so he should not struggle greatly even if he enters the U.S. two years from now."

It added, "Even if Kim Do-young may not be a third baseman with perfect defensive skills, based on his innate athleticism, he can get an opportunity to remain at the hot corner (third base) after adjustment." It noted that even if he does not pass the defensive test and moves to the outfield, he would still be sufficiently valued.

Teams mentioned as suitable for Kim Do-young included the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Angels.

Attention was also paid to Gwak Bin, who emerged as the league's top pitcher this season. MLB.com introduced him, stating, "Gwak Bin, a powerful right-handed pitcher who recorded a 44% whiff rate with his off-speed pitches this season thanks to a dominant changeup, exploded his potential in 2026 and became the first domestic player to lead the KBO in strikeouts since An Woo-jin in 2022."

It continued, "An anonymous scout said, 'His fastball is truly excellent,' noting that he can mix a fastball reaching up to 98 mph (approximately 158 km/h) with solid secondary pitches. However, despite his sturdy build of 6 feet 2 inches (approximately 188 cm), they were not fully convinced to use him as a starting pitcher, given that he is a veteran who has appeared in two WBCs." It added, "Of course, if he repeats this year's performance next year, the evaluation could change. 'As a starter, I think he needs to prove himself a bit more. In the U.S., he would likely be classified as a No. 4 or No. 5 starter.'"

Teams mentioned as suitable for Gwak Bin included the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals, Houston Astros, and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Won Tae-in (Samsung Lions), who will acquire free agent (FA) status after this season ends, was also mentioned. While noting that the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Houston, and San Francisco Giants would be good fits, it evaluated, "Rumors circulated last year that he was interested in entering MLB. After acquiring FA status, he missed the WBC due to an elbow injury, which delayed his season preparation and led to his worst KBO season."

It continued, "A scout said, 'He throws 91 to 94 mph and has a good changeup, and can eat innings,' highly evaluating that he has thrown over 140 innings every year since 2020." It added, "However, in the U.S., he is likely to be evaluated as a relief pitcher. The scout assessed, 'As a starter, I think he would be a player who bounces between the majors and minors. Perhaps being a reliever might suit him better.'"

National team shortstop Kim Ju-won (NC Dinos) was also introduced. As a switch-hitter, teams mentioned as suitable for him included the Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, and Seattle. It stated, "Kim Ju-won, a switch-hitting middle infielder with abundant speed, solid plate discipline, and the ability to play shortstop or second base, will receive offers from many teams if the NC Dinos post him next year." It added, "While it is unlikely he will become a hitter displaying immense power in MLB, his home run numbers are on an upward curve; he recorded a career-high 18 home runs in 2026 and has hit more than 20 doubles for two consecutive years recently."

Scout comments were also shared. "He shows incredible athleticism in the infield," it said, noting that "he is a player capable of recording 30 to 40 stolen bases every year." It added that while he has the ability to hit double-digit home runs in MLB, he is closer to a "gap-to-gap" hitter (one who hits balls down the middle) who shows more power from the left side of the batter's box. "He may not be as attractive as a 40-home-run hitter, but a player showing such versatile skills at one of the most important defensive positions on the field is needed by almost every team," it praised.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original