adminJangchung High School left-handed ace Hwang Jun-seo, 18, was selected with the No. 1 overall pick.
Hwang Jun-seo was selected No. 1 overall by the Hanwha Eagles in the 2024 KBO Rookie Draft on Thursday at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul.
Hwang, who has been touted as a big left-handed prospect since his sophomore year, was considered the biggest steal of the draft as Jang Hyun-seok (Masan Yongmago) moved on to the major leagues. This year, he went 6-2 with a 2.16 ERA in 15 games (49⅔ innings), and he also performed well at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup, going 1-2 with a 3.97 ERA in three games (12⅓ innings).
Hanwha head coach Son Hyuk said, “Our scouts have been recommending him all year. He is a pitcher that everyone wants and will want even more in the future,” said Hanwha general manager Son Hyuk, who was pleased with the selection. “We expect him to compete for the top five starting spots next year right away. In the training part, I was already thinking a lot about how to improve my body in the final camp,” he said, adding that he hoped Hwang would be able to contribute immediately next year.
“It’s a great opportunity to be a starter. I would love to do it, but I don’t care if it’s in the starting rotation or the bullpen,” Hwang said. “In the future, I want to be a pitcher who can be called upon in a crisis situation. I think I’m a pitcher with good game management skills and a pitcher who can strike out hitters. I will show that I can easily compete with batters,” he said about his professional designation.
The number 15 has a special meaning for Hanwha. It was worn by club legend Koo Dae-sung, and Hanwha fans consider it akin to a permanent number. “I want to wear the number 15,” said Hwang Jun-seo, “I kept performing well with the number 15. I will work harder in the pros and become a player worthy of the number,” he said.
Hwang Jun-seo was initially considered the favorite to be selected first overall. However, right-hander Kim Taek-yeon, who went 2-0 with a 0.88 ERA in six games (16 innings) while pitching five consecutive complete games at the U-18 Baseball World Cup, threatened Hwang’s spot.
“I didn’t know what was going to happen until my name was called,” said Hwang, who added, “I’m honored to be named No. 1 among such good players.” When asked about his role models, he said, “In the major leagues, I look up to Josh Hader (San Diego). I’m learning a lot from domestic pitchers,” he said.메이저사이트
Hwang Jun-seo, who was expected to go to Hanwha with the No. 1 overall pick, said, “I kept watching Hanwha with interest. I saw them go on a winning streak. Even if I tried not to think about it, I couldn’t help but do it. My personal goal is to win the team championship first. I will try to help the team go as high as possible.” “I think the Hanwha uniform is beautiful. It looks good on me,” he laughed.