MLB's Choi Ji-man, with 67 home runs, could be surprise first-round draft pick amid fierce competition

Choi Ji-man, a former Major League Baseball player with 67 career home runs, is generating considerable buzz as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 KBO rookie draft. The Ulsan team confirmed that Choi will participate in the upcoming draft tryouts, scheduled for September 1 at the Goyang National Baseball Training Center.

Choi's potential inclusion in the draft has sparked a strategic battle among KBO teams. His experience in MLB, where he played 525 games accumulating a .234 batting average, 67 home runs, and 238 RBIs, makes him a highly sought-after talent. The competition to secure his services is described as fierce, with teams carefully assessing their draft strategies.

“

Choi Ji-man is emerging as a hot topic for the 2027 rookie draft.

The Ulsan team's announcement highlights Choi's transition back to Korean baseball. His performance in MLB, despite not being a perennial All-Star, demonstrated significant power-hitting ability. This background positions him as a player who could make an immediate impact in the KBO, driving the intense interest and competition among clubs vying for a chance to draft him.

“

Choi Ji-man will participate in the 2027 KBO rookie draft tryouts.