Going to the ML or joining the KBO? We asked Jang Hyun-seok, the biggest name in baseball, where he’s headed.

“It might hurt my teammates, but I’ll decide after the Blue Dragon period is over.”

Jang Hyun-seok, the Masan Dragon Mago, is considered the “biggest fish in high school. There is a lot of interest in his future. It’s almost time for him to choose between going to the Major Leagues or joining a KBO team. For the 2024 KBO Draft, which will take place on September 14, high school graduates have until August 15 to apply. Those who choose to pursue a major league career will not be accepted. He will follow the same route as Shim Jun-seok last year. Last year’s “biggest name” did not declare for the KBO Draft and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in January.

In fact, there is a lot of interest in Jang Hyun-seok. Not only are there 10 teams in the KBO, but Major League Baseball is also keeping tabs on him. Major league scouts were at Mokdong Stadium on the 19th, when Jang pitched in the 78th Cheongnyonggi National High School Baseball Championship and the weekend league Wangjoong Wangjeon (co-hosted by Chosun Ilbo, Sports Chosun, and the Korea Baseball Softball Association).

“I haven’t decided yet,” Jang said when I asked him about his future. “My parents said they would totally respect my decision. I will judge and decide,” he said, adding, “I’m leaning a little more toward one or the other. It’s not a huge difference, it’s about 6-4,” he explained. He didn’t reveal whether that number is 6 for going overseas or staying in Korea.

Jang Hyun-seok said, “There are still a lot of Blue Dragon competitions. I’ll decide after the Blue Dragon Games. I think it’s best to do it after the tournament is over so that it doesn’t hurt my teammates and I can relax,” he said. Yongmago defeated Gwangju Gwangjin in the second round to advance to the round of 16. Jang Hyun-seok will also pitch in the round of 16.바카라

He is well aware of the fan interest. The first overall pick in the 2024 rookie draft is held by last year’s last-place team, the Hanwha Eagles. “They cheer a lot, which always makes me feel good. They pay a lot of attention to me, and even though I’m still in high school, I feel like I have fans,” he laughed.