In a move that signals the Texas Rangers’ deepening commitment to global scouting and player development, the franchise confirmed that it has signed two-way South Korean phenom Seong-Jun Kim to a minor league deal that includes a signing bonus of just over $1.2 million — one of the highest ever awarded to a Korean high school prospect in MLB history.
The Rangers’ front office broke down the rationale behind this aggressive international acquisition, describing the 18-year-old as a “rare dual-threat talent with elite instincts, physical projection, and advanced baseball maturity well beyond his years.”
“You don’t get many chances to land a player like Kim,” said [Rangers International Scouting Director], speaking on Monday. “He’s got two-way potential, he’s incredibly polished for his age, and he plays with a level of composure that’s nearly impossible to teach.”
Why the Investment Makes Sense
Kim, who is expected to graduate from Gwangju Jeil High School in January, was recently named South Korea’s 2024 High School Player of the Year. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 185 pounds, the right-hander has already reached 95 mph on the mound and is currently hitting .333 with a 1.015 OPS, making him one of the most intriguing amateur players in East Asia.
While he will start in the Rangers’ developmental pipeline — likely beginning in the Arizona Complex League after graduation — the size of his signing bonus indicates the club views him as far more than just a project.
“This is a long-term play,” said one club executive. “But it’s not speculative. We believe he’s got major league trajectory.”
A Broader Strategy at Work
This acquisition fits into a larger shift in the way MLB teams approach international scouting. With international bonus pools tightly capped under the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, clubs must identify and prioritize high-ceiling prospects early. The Rangers have positioned themselves as front-runners in the international market, particularly in Asia, and the signing of Kim reinforces that identity.
Gwangju Jeil High is already known for producing major leaguers such as Byung-Hyun Kim, Hee-Seop Choi, Jae Weong Seo, and Jung Ho Kang. Seong-Jun now becomes the fifth alumnus to sign with a major league team, and the Rangers are betting he could become the most successful of the group.
“We believe in not only his tools but his makeup,” the team said. “He’s a hard worker, he understands the mental demands of the game, and he’s shown he can perform under pressure.”
What Comes Next for Kim
Kim is expected to report to the Rangers’ spring complex following his graduation, where he’ll undergo a specialized development program to assess his strengths as both a position player and pitcher. It’s unclear whether the organization will allow him to pursue both roles long-term, but for now, they are open to exploring both tracks.
The $1.2 million signing bonus — substantial for a minor league deal — reflects the organization’s desire to not just add depth, but potentially develop a foundational piece for the future.
“When you see a player who can both hit and pitch at a high level, at 18 years old, you don’t wait,” said the scouting director. “You act decisively — and that’s exactly what we did.”
