◀ Anchor ▶
Jang Hyun-seok, a top high school pitcher who chose to challenge himself in the major leagues, signed a $900,000 contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He aims to enter the big leagues in four years.
Reporter Kim Soo-geun.안전놀이터
◀ Report ▶
A hard-hitting fastball in the mid-90s from his 6-foot-3 frame.
Jang Hyun-seok, recognized as the best pitcher in high school and selected for the Asian Games team, will wear an LA Dodgers uniform.
The contract is for $900,000, or about 1.2 billion won in our money.
An LA Dodgers official explained that they have been watching Jang Hyun-seok for a long time, and that the decision was based on his performance as well as his potential for development.
[Jang Hyun-seok/Masan Yongmago]
“I think he wanted to test how high he could go, and I think (he was) just in a good mood, and he was happy. Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations…”
Of the many big league teams that expressed interest in signing him, the reason for choosing the Dodgers was surprisingly simple.
[Jang Hyun-seok/Masan Yongmago].
“I think I chose the Dodgers because it was the Dodgers. Even as a kid, I watched them more than any other club (because of Ryu Hyun-jin)…”
He also revealed his dream of becoming a big leaguer.
[Jang Hyun-seok/Masan Yongmago]
“My goal (to make it to the big leagues) is four to five years, and since I’ve challenged the best stage in the world, I’ll work hard and do my best to really make it to the big leagues.”
Confidence is also evident.
[Jang Hyun-seok/Masan Yongmago]
“I think I need to work on things like ‘pitching mechanics’ a little bit more, and I think if I fix those things, I’ll be fine. I think I’ll be successful if I think about the confidence (that it works).”
Jang Hyun-seok will hold a press conference next Monday to reveal his ambitions for the big leagues.
I’m Kim Soo-geun of MBC News.