Expectations are growing for Jang Hyun-seok (19, Masan Yongmago), who has chosen to join the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The MLB.com Pipeline, which covers major league prospects, mentioned Jang on Saturday (June 16). Jang signed a $900,000 (approx. KRW 1.19 billion) contract with the Dodgers on Sept. 9 to play in the major leagues.

Jang was a highly anticipated prospect who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s KBO rookie draft. He overwhelms opponents with his fastball, which can reach up to 156 kilometers per hour, and his sharp sweeper. At the same time, he was highly regarded by many scouts for his steadiness, completeness, and athleticism. In nine games this season, he went 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA, 52 strikeouts, and a 0.79 WHIP (walks allowed per nine innings).

Pipeline revealed the Dodgers’ “top 30” prospects this year, and Jang was ranked 22nd on the list. This is the highest ranking of any right-handed pitcher to join the Dodgers this year.

“Jang was projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the KBO First-Year Player Draft,” Pipeline said. “He has three plus pitches. He has a four-seam fastball that reaches 97 mph (156.1 km/h), a powerful slider that sits 84-87 mph (135.1-140 km/h), and a curveball that sits 76-82 mph (122.3-131.9 km/h) with a great feel for spin.”

On the 20-80 scale, Jang’s fastball, curve, and slider were rated a 60, while his changeup and breaking ball were rated a 50. His fastball and changeup were highly rated. 토토사이트

He has shown great potential and is highly anticipated locally. Pipeline lists Jang’s ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) as 2027 and believes he could make his major league debut as early as four years from now.

Meanwhile, Jang Hyun-seok said at the Dodgers’ signing ceremony at the Seoul Dragon City Hotel on April 14, “It would be nice to go up quickly, but I have to see how I do. There are also injury concerns. I don’t know how many years it will take. “My goal is to get to the major leagues as soon as possible, but if I make it to the big leagues, I want to be a starting pitcher for the Dodgers like Park Chan-ho and Ryu Hyun-jin, who have been with the Dodgers for the longest time. I will do my best to show better in the future,” he said.