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3mo ago

Texas Rangers Sign South Korean Two-Way Phenom Seong-Jun Kim

The Rangers commit $1.2 million to develop the 18-year-old as a pitcher and shortstop, preparing for his 2026 arrival in the U.S.

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South Korean baseball player Kim Seong-jun poses in his new Texas Rangers uniform after signing with the club at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on May 18, 2025, in this photo provided by the Rangers. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • Seong-Jun Kim, an 18-year-old two-way player from Gwangju Jeil High School, signed with the Texas Rangers as an international free agent on May 18, 2025.
  • Kim, nicknamed the 'Korean Ohtani,' will be developed as both a shortstop and a right-handed pitcher, boasting a 95-mph fastball and a .333 batting average this season.
  • The Rangers are dedicating 2025 to building cultural, language, and coaching infrastructure to support Kim’s transition to Major League Baseball in January 2026.
  • Kim bypassed the KBO Draft to pursue a direct path to MLB, becoming the first Gwangju Jeil High School player to sign directly with an MLB team.
  • The organization views Kim as a long-term investment, emphasizing his character, competitive mindset, and potential to succeed as a rare two-way player.