The next generation of Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) talent was selected on Wednesday, and the first five nominations shared a common theme.
Here’s a look at what each of the first five picks brings to their new teams.
No. 1: Chung Hyeon-woo (P) – Kiwoom Heroes
Pitcher Chung Hyeon-woo was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 KBO Rookie Draft by the Kiwoom Heroes.
The Deoksu High School product was the first of five pitchers to be taken to start the KBO Draft. Chung pitches left-handed and tops out at around 150 kilometers per hour (around 93 miles per hour). He also has a curveball and forkball in his arsenal, the latter being his signature pitch.
Chung will be added to a struggling Heroes bullpen. Kiwoom relievers are collectively averaging a KBO-worst 6.00 ERA.
No. 2: Jung Woo-joo (P) – Hanwha Eagles
With the No. 2 pick in the KBO Rookie Draft, the Hanwha Eagles selected pitcher Jung Woo-joo.
Jung tops out at 156 kilometers per hour (~97 miles per hour), making him the hardest thrower in the draft class. The right-hander’s fastball impressed Eagles scouts enough to draft him, hoping he can become a starting pitcher or play reliever in the bullpen.
No. 3: Bae Chan-seung (P) – Samsung Lions
Another pitcher went off the board with the No. 3 pick in the KBO Rookie Draft. This time, it was the Samsung Lions drafting Bae Chan-seung.
The Lions have one of the best pitching rotations in the KBO, ranking No. 3 in ERA for starting pitchers and No. 2 in ERA for relievers. But the price of a good pitcher can’t be overlooked, bringing the Lions to their selection.
Another positive for Bae is that he won’t have to relocate far. Samsung plays in Daegu, South Korea, where Bae played high school baseball.
No. 4: Kim Tae-hyun (P) – Lotte Giants
The Lotte Giants selected left-handed pitcher Kim Tae-hyun with the No. 4 pick in the KBO Rookie Draft.
The Giants valued Kim’s southpaw pitching style enough to select him with their fourth overall nomination ahead of Kim Tae-hyung.
No. 5: Kim Tae-hyung (P) – Kia Tigers
The Kia Tigers rounded out the first five nominations by selecting pitcher Kim Tae-hyung.
Kim Tae-hyung was teammates with No. 1 overall nomination Chung Hyeon-woo at Deoksu High School in Seoul, South Korea, and was taken only a few selections after him.
Kim Tae-hyung was the second right-handed pitcher taken and will join a Kia Tigers pitching staff that ranks among the best in the KBO.
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WBN KBO: https://worldbaseball.com/league/south-korea/
Photo Courtesy of Yonhap News
