The Dodgers are reportedly on the verge of signing Korean pitching phenom Hyun-suk Jang, who is forgoing the KBO draft for MLB dreams.
At just 19 years old, Hyun-suk Jang is one of Korea's most promising pitching prospects. But he doesn't intend to play pro ball in Korea.
Instead, Jang is "on the verge of signing" with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Daniel Kim.
His MLB future is still to be determined, but given his already impressive arm, Jang could follow in the footsteps of Chan Ho Park and Hyun Jin Ryu as Korean-born All-Star pitchers for the Dodgers.
MLB Rumors: Dodgers on verge of signing coveted Korean pitcher
If Jang had opted to go to the KBO draft, some believe he would have been a high pick, if not the No. 1 overall selection.
He can already throw a 98 mph fastball and has a strong pitch mix. If the Dodgers develop him right, he could be a major league asset before long.
The Dodgers have Gavin Stone coming through the pipeline as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He ranks No. 6 among right-handed pitchers overall and No. 4 in the LA farm system. They also have Ryan Pepiot, Nick Frasso and River Ryan in their Top 10.
Picking up a prospect like Jang is a big move to keep adding to the strength of the system.
Ryu debuted for the Dodgers in 2013. After some ups and downs, he picked up an All-Star nod in 2019, with an ERA of 2.32 and a record of 14-5. In six years in Los Angeles, he went 54-33.
Park got his start in 1994 as a 21-year-old and played for the Boys In Blue for nine years. He got his All-Star recognition in 2001, posting a 3.50 ERA and a 15-11 record. The year before he won 18 games.
Getting a similar career out of Jang would be a dream for the Dodgers. Signing him is just the start.
