'A good call to pass up 30.7 billion won' — U.S. interest explodes, Phillies also eye Noh Si-hwan: "He could become the best right-handed hitter"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Noh Si-hwan (26, Hanwha Eagles), a power-hitting right-handed batter representing the KBO League, has applied for Major League Baseball (MLB) posting and is receiving intense attention in the United States. Several big-league teams struggling with the absence of a starting third baseman are paying close attention to Noh Si-hwan as an attractive alternative, and local media outlets are pouring out predictions about his next destination.

U.S. sports outlet The Balls Outta Here reported on the 5th (Korean time) that "Noh Si-hwan could be a solution to fill the Philadelphia Phillies' third base void."

Alex Bregman, who has guarded the hot corner for a long time, will acquire free agent (FA) status this winter, and the outlet believes there is a high likelihood he will leave the team. The media stated, "Considering the ups and downs with fans and his mediocre performance, it is highly likely that Bregman played his last game in Philadelphia," adding, "Top prospect Aiden Miller is also mentioned as a candidate for opening day third baseman, and various FA and trade options exist. However, one interesting possibility is Korean superstar Noh Si-hwan, who was posted by the KBO Hanwha Eagles."

Philadelphia is keeping an eye on Teruaki Sato, a powerful hitter from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) aiming for the big leagues, but they also consider Noh Si-hwan's value to be sufficient. The outlet noted, "While Noh Si-hwan is not expected to show the same offensive contribution as Sato," it analyzed that "if Noh Si-hwan joins a Philadelphia lineup that has been 'left-handed biased' for years with players like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, he could become one of the team's best right-handed hitters even if he performs at an average level in the league." It emphasized that although the KBO League is considered a lower-level league compared to NPB and his statistics are inferior to Sato's, he is an "efficient option relative to cost."

The outlet introduced that Noh Si-hwan has recorded impressive stats with a .267 batting average, .353 on-base percentage, and .457 slugging percentage along with 153 home runs in 957 games over eight years playing for the Hanwha Eagles. It reported, "His defense has received somewhat negative evaluations from scouts, but despite this, Hanwha signed an 11-year extension worth up to $21.3 million with him when he was 25 last winter," and also noted that any team signing Noh Si-hwan must pay the Eagles a posting fee determined by his new MLB contract value.

In particular, it emphasized that if the acquisition of Japanese superstar Sato falls through, Philadelphia should consider the card of Noh Si-hwan. The reason is that Bregman's departure is likely, and with Miller having missed almost the entire 2026 season, there are no reliable alternatives internally. Although Bryson Stott, who moved to third base for Luis Arraez acquired at the trade deadline, performed fantastically, keeping him at third base in 2027 would create a new void at second base, making a new third baseman necessary.

Above all, the fact that he is a power-hitting right-handed batter appeals to Philadelphia. The outlet stated, "Unlike Sato, Noh Si-hwan is a right-handed hitter. The Phillies' lineup has been left-handed biased for years, and the only players who recorded above-average batting stats last year were left-handed hitters Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber," adding, "Due to this lineup structure, Bregman was forced into a role protecting Harper in the cleanup spot, wearing clothes that didn't fit."

It is also expected to have positive effects from a marketing perspective. Noting that only two Korean players, Park Chan-ho (2009) and Kim Hyun-soo (2017), have previously played for Philadelphia, it explained, "Philadelphia has shown interest in the Korean market by continuously scouting players like shortstop Kim Ju-won (NC)," adding, "Signing a solid right-handed hitter to establish a foothold in the Korean market would help build a pipeline between Asia and Philadelphia."

The outlet argued, "This winter, the Phillies will consider various options for the third base position, but signing a solid right-handed hitter to establish a foothold in the Korean market would not be a bad choice at all."

Local interest in Noh Si-hwan, a right-handed third baseman guaranteed 30 home runs, appears to be spreading more than expected. On the 2nd, MLB's official website MLB.com reported on Noh Si-hwan's posting news while simultaneously stating that he would fit well with the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners, and LA Angels.

MLB.com stated, "MLB scouts highly evaluate his power, calling him a 'big power bat' that will work at the Major League level," adding, "However, despite having a strong arm capable of maintaining the position, he was evaluated as 'a bit weak defensively.'"

Sports Illustrated (SI) predicted, "Pittsburgh may find its next-generation elite third baseman in the Korean star," noting, "There is no excellent long-term alternative at Pittsburgh's third base. Noh Si-hwan could become the player carrying the team's future at that position."

It continued, "While Noh Si-hwan is not evaluated as a top-level defender, he could move to first base or designated hitter in the long term," adding positively, "Muff Garcia, the top third base prospect, is rising for the Pirates. If he breaks out, it would be a great strength for the team if Noh Si-hwan moves to the right side of the infield (first base) or focuses solely on hitting."

Stories about why Noh Si-hwan should be acquired are coming one after another. This also reflects the situation where usable third baseman resources are scarce in the MLB FA market.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original