According to a recent report from Jon Heyman, KT Wiz first baseman and designated hitter Kang Baek-ho will be seeking a contract with a Major League Baseball team this upcoming offseason.
The 26-year-old slugger, long considered one of the more talented pure hitters in Korea, is expected to be available as an international free agent. Because he is 26 years old, he won’t be limited by MLB’s international free agent signing rules, nor will be posted. He has left open the door to return to the KBO in 2026 as well.
Kang burst onto the scene in the KBO with a strong debut after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2017 KBO Draft and has consistently shown flashes of elite offensive potential. His standout year came in 2021, when he posted a spectacular .347/.450/.521 slash line, along with 16 home runs and a career-high 162 wRC+. That season saw Kang walk 103 times while striking out just 85 times, the only year in his career in which he walked more than he struck out. His 16.3% walk rate and 13.6% strikeout rate that year remain career bests.
Kang also hit a career-high 20.7% line drive rate in 2021, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s most complete offensive threats. That season was enough to put him firmly on the radar of MLB scouts.
Unfortunately for Kang Baek-ho, injuries have plagued much of his career since that breakout season. Multiple lower-body issues, most recently an ankle injury, have limited both his playing time and effectiveness. In the current 2025 season, he is slashing .255/.343/.441 with 10 home runs and a 114 wRC+, a far cry from his 2021 form but still a respectable line considering the missed time.
There are a few encouraging signs in his 2025 performance. Notably, his pull rate is at a career-high 44.9%, a significant increase from 2024. This could be a key adjustment if he hopes to translate his power to MLB. However, his fly ball rate remains the third lowest of his career, suggesting there’s still work to be done in lifting the ball consistently.
MLB Outlook and Role Projection – Should he secure a deal with an MLB organization, Kang Baek-ho should begin his career in the minor leagues, similar to what Kim Hye-seong had to do. While he has shown significant offensive upside at his peak, he lacks the recent consistency or defensive versatility that helped players like Kim Ha-seong or Lee Jung-hoo make immediate transitions to the big leagues.
He likely won’t command big money in the offseason. That could appeal to MLB teams looking for a low-risk, high-upside bat who could contribute at the major league level if he regains his prior form. He’s likely to profile as a designated hitter in the U.S., given his defensive limitations.
Implications for 2026 World Baseball Classic – One potential consequence of Kang’s move to the U.S. is the uncertainty around his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. If he’s focused on establishing himself in a new organization, there may be pressure—either from the team or personally—to skip international duty. However, if he does participate, he would likely serve as Korea’s starting DH, providing a potent bat in a group that includes Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and Czechia.
A strong showing in the WBC could also serve as a springboard for his MLB career, boosting his standing within his organization and proving that he can perform on a big stage.
Photo: Kang Baek-ho of the KT Wiz.
