Ex-MLB player Choi Ji-man says young prospects deserve attention at KBO draft

Former Major League Baseball (MLB) player Choi Ji-man expressed on Tuesday his belief that young prospects should receive more attention during the upcoming draft for the top South Korean professional baseball league, the KBO. Despite Choi's desire for young student-athletes to have a higher draft position and potentially generate more signing bonuses, it is expected that the 35-year-old veteran with 525 MLB games under his belt will be a prime target in the first round of the draft scheduled for September 21.

Choi, currently playing for the Ulsan Whales in the Futures League, the feeder circuit for the KBO, participated in the pre-draft workout on Tuesday alongside other hopefuls.

The draft hopefuls participated in the annual workout, an opportunity for players not currently under contract with high school or university teams to impress KBO scouts and increase their chances of being selected. Choi indicated that he was nervous during the workout, but was satisfied with the overall experience. The scouts asked him numerous questions and expressed interest in his potential. In 20 games for the Whales, Choi has managed to bat .308 with a home run, seven RBIs and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .847.

Choi's stance is not due to any doubts about his abilities. He expressed that he simply wants young athletes to secure higher draft positions and earn substantial signing bonuses. Choi's MLB career includes 67 home runs and 238 RBIs, both achieved while playing for the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels from 2009 to 2016.

In 2020, Choi helped the Tampa Bay Rays reach the World Series as the first South Korean position player to achieve this milestone. With the draft just three weeks away, Choi admitted to growing nervous, comparing it to his high school days. He reflected on how his career might have unfolded if he hadn't moved to the U.S. decades ago.

Choi also mentioned that he had received calls from friends who are friends with KBO team owners, who are interested in having him join their respective teams. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Choi emphasized the importance of staying healthy and playing at a high level if he joins any team.