Texas Rangers Sign Two-Way Korean Prospect Kim for $1.2M

The Texas Rangers have signed Seong-Jun Kim, an 18-year-old two-way baseball prospect from South Korea, drawing comparisons to Shohei Ohtani due to his pitching and hitting abilities. Kim, who throws right-handed and plays shortstop, has reached a fastball speed of 95 mph and boasts a .333 batting average with a 1.015 OPS, showcasing his potential as a two-way player. The Rangers view Kim as a unique talent and are committed to developing him in both pitching and hitting roles, emphasizing his alignment with the organization's values and his ambition to succeed in Major League Baseball. Kim bypassed the KBO draft to fast-track his career in the U.S., expressing admiration for Ohtani and a strong desire to excel in both aspects of the game. The deal reportedly includes a $1.2 million signing bonus, and Kim will join the Rangers organization after graduating high school in January 2026. While the long-term viability of his two-way role remains uncertain, scouts highlight his athleticism, strong arm, and defensive skills at shortstop as indicators of high potential.