MLB Slugger Choi Ji-man, 35, to Enter KBO Draft, Projected First-Round Pick

Choi Ji-man, a 35-year-old South Korean baseball player with 67 career home runs in Major League Baseball, is set to participate in the 2027 KBO draft, a move that has generated considerable buzz. Choi shared his feelings with Korean media outlet 'Starnews,' describing the decision as "strange" but "a very happy thing." He revealed that the thought of returning to play in Korea had been a recurring one throughout his MLB career, a topic he frequently discussed with fellow Korean players based abroad.

Choi embarked on his professional baseball journey in the United States after graduating high school in 2009, signing with the Seattle Mariners. His MLB career spanned eight seasons, during which he played for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees. In 525 games, he amassed 67 home runs and 238 RBIs, with a career batting average of .234. Notably, in 2020, while playing for the Rays, Choi became the first South Korean position player to participate in the World Series.

After being released by the New York Mets in June 2024, Choi fulfilled his mandatory military service in South Korea in 2025. He then joined the Ulsan Whales, a second-division team in the KBO, in April of this year. This season, Choi has played 20 games for the Whales, hitting one home run and driving in seven runs, while batting .308.

Despite his age and a recent history of injuries, Choi is still viewed as a valuable asset for KBO teams, particularly given his left-handed hitting ability and experience at first base. Reports suggest that Choi could be a first-round selection in the upcoming draft. With some high school prospects not meeting expectations this year, at least four teams are reportedly considering drafting Choi within the first or second round.

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It feels strange, this should be a very happy thing. When I played in MLB, I often thought about returning to Korea to play someday, and I talked about it with my seniors (other players playing abroad) many times.