Overview

• The Texas Rangers have signed Seong-Jun Kim, an 18-year-old South Korean shortstop and right-handed pitcher, as an international free agent.
• Kim will receive a reported $1.2 million signing bonus, according to his agency, and will join the Rangers organization after graduating high school in January 2026.
• The Rangers plan to develop Kim as a two-way player, highlighting his 95-mph fastball and .333 batting average with a 1.015 OPS this season.
• Kim is the first player to join an MLB team directly from Gwangju Jeil High School, breaking a precedent of players entering through the KBO or college.
• Texas is preparing resources, including coaching and cultural support, to ensure Kim’s smooth transition and success in the major leagues.