Announcing their deal with Kim as an international free agent, the Rangers said on Sunday, "Kim, a shortstop and right-handed pitcher, is in his final year at Gwangju Jeil High School in South Korea and will graduate in January 2026, at which point he will join the organization."
"We're so excited about [Kim], a world-class talent and also a world-class person," said Hamilton Wise, a senior recruiter for the Rangers. "We've been so impressed with him defensively at shortstop and in the batter's box, but also on the pitcher's mound. We have full intent as an organization to develop him as a two-way player." Wise added, "He has the character and mental makeup to impact the game in this organization positively for many years to come."
Kim is the fifth player from the school in southwestern South Korea to reach the MLB, joining a notable list of alumni including pitcher Kim Byung-hyun, slugger Choi Hee-seop, pitcher Seo Jae-weong, and shortstop Kang Jung-ho. However, the teen prospect is the first to join an MLB team without prior experience in the country's professional league.
Admitting the challenges ahead, Kim said through his interpreter with the Rangers, "It's gonna be hard, not easy. But I will do my best. I'm not going to regret anything at all. I will do my best." He then added, "If I can improve better and earlier, I can be the best player in the big leagues. That's why I decided to sign" with the Rangers.
Standing six feet tall, the shortstop, also capable of throwing a powerful fastball, has already built an impressive amateur career, earning several awards here and setting his sights high to achieve success, comparable to Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani.
According to local media, Kim's deal is reportedly worth US$1.2 million.
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