Dodgers News: LA Officially Signs Highly Touted 19-Year-Old Korean Pitcher
On Tuesday, it was announced that the Los Angeles Dodgers had come to terms on a deal with 19-year-old Korean pitcher Hyun-Suk Jang. The top Korean pitching prospect was expected to be the top pick in the KBO Draft, however, he wanted to forgo that opportunity to play in the United States, instead. The Dodgers gave him that opportunity.
For the last few days it was reported that the Dodgers were close to signing him, but finally on Tuesday, that deal came to fruition.
The Dodgers and Jang agreed to a $900,000 contract, something the Dodgers were able to do after trading RHPs Maximo Martinez and Aldrin Batista to the Chicago White Sox for international bonus pool money.
Jang is a highly regarded pitching prospect with an incredible pitch mix and an ability to throw 97 mph. The Dodgers are very excited to have a pitcher with his capabilities, and he's excited to show LA and the rest of the MLB what he can do.
The Dodgers have had tons of success with international pitchers, including the likes of Kenta Maeda, Hideo Nomo, Hyun-jin Ryu, Julio Urias and more.
Hopefully Jang can have a similar career to all those guys, and turns into the next great star in LA's rotation.
