After securing their mound future with the No. 1 overall pick for the third consecutive year, the Hanwha Eagles have an early development plan.
“We’re going to the Miyazaki camp in Japan in November to watch him pitch,” Hanwha manager Choi Won-ho told reporters before the team’s game against LG on Nov. 15. “I’ve only watched him pitch in high school, but I need to see how he’ll pitch in the pros,” he added.
Hwang has appeared in 15 games this year, posting a 6-2 record with a 2.16 ERA. In 49⅔ innings pitched, he struck out 58 batters and walked just 17. He has a fastball that reaches over 150 mph and a good changeup. Jang Hyun-seok (Yongmago) signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers to challenge for the big leagues, making him the No. 1 overall pick. Hanwha, who finished last last year and had the first overall pick, selected Hwang Jun-seo without hesitation. With the left-hander, Hanwha now has one of the best “young blood” pitching staffs in the game after the right-handed Moon Dong-ju and Kim Seo-hyun “fireballer” duo. “Our scouts have been recommending Hwang Jun-seo all year. Everyone wants him now, and he will be even more desired in the future.” 스포츠토토
“When I watched him on video in the spring, he threw a really good ball. “The scouting team was worried that his velocity dropped after the middle, but it could be a temporary drop due to physical problems,” Choi said. “As the team lacks high-level left-handed pitchers, a left-handed pitcher with a fastball in the mid-to-high 140s is an advantage,” he said.
The future utilization of the pitcher will be determined by pitching at the Miyazaki camp. “We’ll see how he pitches and decide whether to use him as a starter or in the bullpen after the first camp next year,” Choi said.