'ML 67 Home Run Hitman' joined the military in a surprise move → virtually declared a challenge to KBO → Are you likely to join SSG? What was the on-site response to this?
'ML 67 Home Run Hitman' joined the military in a surprise move → virtually declared a challenge to KBO → Are you likely to join SSG? What was the on-site response to this?
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Choi Ji-man, if not as much as Park Chan-ho, Ryu Hyun-jin and Choo Shin-soo, is clearly a player who has made an important mark in the history of the "Korean Major Leaguer."
There were not many cases of success in the big leagues as a batter. Choo Shin-soo has built his fortune and honor as a national baseball star. Among them, Choi Ji-man has long been famous. He has excellent slugging capability. He had simple and impactful swing that enabled him to cope with fastballs pitched by Major League pitchers. After moving to the U.S. to pursue his dream in 2009, he hit a total of 67 home runs in the Major League until last year. In the 2019 season, he played as the starting first baseman of the Tampa Bay Rays, creating a season with 19 home runs.바카라사이트
However, Choi Ji-man could not overcome the passage of time. He is 34 years old this year. After signing a contract with the New York Mets last year, he tried to become a big league player in the Minor League but failed, and was released. He was never invited by any team ahead of this season.
Then there were rumors that Choi Ji-man would challenge himself in the KBO League. These are enough controversial issues. Currently, foreign hitters who are coming to the KBO League have almost the same career as Choi Ji-man. No, based on the records alone, they are top-notch foreign hitters.
But there are two problems. Since he entered the U.S. without going through the rookie draft, he needs a two-year grace period to come to the KBO. Military service again. If Choi is to play in Korea, he must first fulfill his duty of defense. Then he can return as a player at the age of 36 and 37 in Korean age. No matter how outstanding a player is, there is no business ahead of him.
Choi Ji-man has taken the initiative. He will join the military on May 15. In fact, he has declared his return to the KBO League. Choi Ji-man, who holds permanent residency in the U.S., fulfills his mandatory military service duty, which can be interpreted as his willingness to play baseball in Korea. The grace period should be filled through mandatory military service.
Then, Choi Ji-man will be able to take on the challenge of the KBO League through the rookie draft of the 2027 season. If Choi Ji-man comes, will he be able to attract attention as a player who will change the game of the KBO League.
Opinions are divided into halves at the moment. First of all, they say that age is a stumbling block. Obviously, he is a good hitter, but playing in a new league at a late age will not be easy in terms of adaptation. The two-year hiatus is also a fatal blow. He could be nominated, but he believes that no club will use Choi Ji-man as the top pick.
Opposition to the measure is that Choi will be able to play for two to three years. Since Choi is not active in the military, he is allowed to train individually in the evening after completing daily routines. Some experts say that if he builds up his physique like this, he will be able to boost his sense of play in a short period of time. The swing of a batter who hit 67 home runs in the Major League is different no matter what. Analysts also say that since he is not over 40 years old, the age issue will not affect him much right now.
Meanwhile, a media outlet reported that Choi wants to join his hometown team, SSG Landers. Choi hails from Dongsan High School in Incheon. He covered his interview with Choi under the title "Choi Ji-man, highly likely to join SSG."
SSG's response to this gives a rough idea of what KBO League clubs think about Choi Ji-man. If it's only two years from now, but you really need it, there's no need to give off a negative nuance. However, an SSG official flatly said, "I couldn't help but laugh at the title of the article."