Dodgers Lead the Race to Sign Korean Pitching Prospect Hyun-suk Jang
Los Angeles Dodgers emerge as front runners to sign talented Korean pitcher Hyun-suk Jang, adding youthful energy to their roster.
LA Dodgers Front Runners to Sign Korean Pitching Prospect Hyun-suk Jang
In their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani from the Angels, the Dodgers have another international superstar in their sights for the upcoming offseason. Reports from industry sources indicate that Los Angeles is leading the pack in the race to sign Korean pitching prospect Hyun-suk Jang, who has decided to forgo the KBO draft for a chance at the MLB.
The Dodgers have a rich history of signing Asian pitching talent, having brought renowned players like Hideo Nomo, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Chan Ho Park, Hiroki Kuroda, and Kenta Maeda to prominence. With the potential addition of Jang, the trend continues, but this time, they aim to infuse youthful energy into their roster rather than signing established superstars from their previous international locations.
At just 19 years old, Jang possesses impressive skills on the mound, showcasing good velocity with a fastball that reaches 97 miles per hour. His off-speed repertoire includes a curveball, slider, sweeper, and changeup, making him a formidable prospect for any team.
While the Dodgers have not often pursued young arms from across the Pacific, they have tasted success with young international pitching talent before. Julio Urias, who made his Dodgers debut at the age of 19 in 2016, is a prime example. Over seven seasons with the team, Urias has earned accolades, including two All-MLB Second Team selections and the NL wins leader in one season, along with capturing the NL ERA crown in another. Notably, Urias played a crucial role in securing the 2020 World Series victory, sealing the championship for LA with a triumphant final out.
If the Dodgers manage to secure Jang’s signature, they hope he will emulate Urias’s success, both in the short term and the long term. The young Korean pitching sensation could potentially become a key asset for the Dodgers, injecting fresh talent and promise into their pitching lineup. Fans eagerly await the outcome of this exciting race to secure Hyun-suk Jang and the prospects of an even stronger Dodgers team in the seasons to come.
