Jang Hyun-seok in LA Dodgers uniform: “I’m going to be a big league starter”

Jang Hyun-seok, a 19-year-old junior at Masan Yongmago High School, has finally donned a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform. The ceremony marked the official anchor of his journey to the United States.

“The Dodgers have been watching 메이저놀이터 me for a long time,” Jang said at the signing press conference held at Seoul Dragon City in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on Thursday. I knew about their interest before, but I didn’t think about signing. I am honored to wear a Dodger uniform like this,” he said with a wide smile.

Jang Hyun-seok, a right-handed pitcher born in 2004, is considered a top prospect. He began throwing fastballs up to 157 kilometers per hour last year, attracting the attention of KBO and major league scouts. He also has a quality curveball, and this season, he went 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA (3 earned runs in 29 innings) in nine games.

The press conference began with a congratulatory video from Dodgers officials. First, President Andrew Friedman said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hyun-seok Jang to the Dodgers family. We are confident that his talent, coupled with our talented coaches, will lead him to a bright future. We can’t wait to welcome him to Dodger Stadium.” Director of Minor League Pitching Rob Hill said, “Congratulations to Jang. I’ve watched him for a long time, and I’m looking forward to seeing him reach his full potential.”

Jang Hyun-seok speaks during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ introductory press conference on Thursday. News1
Dressed in a suit with a blue tie that symbolizes the Dodgers, Jang explained the reason for his signing, saying, “The team officials showed me analytical reports of my past and present pitches. Also, the Dodgers are familiar to Korean players, and I chose the Dodgers because I heard that they are the best at developing pitchers among the 30 teams.”

In the past, the Dodgers have had some of the best pitchers in Korean baseball, such as Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin. Jang hopes to follow in their footsteps. “I have the desire to become a starting pitcher in the Dodgers organization like Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin,” Jang said. “I hope I can get to the major leagues soon, but it’s hard to say when, but I want to be a major league starter who plays for the Dodgers for a long time like Clayton Kershaw,” he added.

Jang, who stands at 1.90 meters tall and weighs 90 kilograms, also wears the Korean flag ahead of the Hangzhou Asian Games in September. Although he is still in high school, he has been recognized for his outstanding pitches and has rubbed shoulders with professional seniors.

LA Dodgers scout Dean Kim, director of scouting for the Pacific region John Dibble, Jang Hyun-seok, and Rico Sports Agency CEO Lee Ye-lang (from left) hold a press conference on Thursday. News1
John Dibble, director of scouting for the Pacific region, said, “I’ve been watching the seven scouts since they were in middle school. All of them recognized his talent.” “Our conditioning coach recently came to Korea to check Jang’s physical condition. As soon as he gets his visa, we’ll set up a future date. We will develop Jang Hyun-seok into a great player.”

“We are positive about Jang Hyun-seok’s participation in not only the Asian Games, but also the WBC and other international competitions in the future. We will continue to support him.”

Jang Hyun-seok, who is still in high school, will be with his teammates until the final national tournament of the season, the Bonghwangdae, which begins on Nov. 18. He will then continue to build his body as the Asian Games team will be called up at the end of next month.

Jang Hyun-seok, a 19-year-old junior at Masan Yongmago High School, has finally donned a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform. The ceremony marked the official anchor of his journey to the United States. “The Dodgers have been watching 메이저놀이터 me for a long time,” Jang said at the signing press conference held at Seoul Dragon City in…