“Is this a simple reinforcement, or is it truly a lottery-level opportunity?” The baseball world is gripped by unprecedented tension ahead of the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft, scheduled for September. Former Major League slugger Choi Ji-man (34) has suddenly announced his intention to enter the draft. This isn’t just about one veteran’s return; it could be a game-changing variable that reshapes the entire league.
Choi’s addition goes beyond his name value alone. Experts believe the team that drafts him will effectively gain the benefit of having two foreign hitters. The Lotte Giants, desperate for a left-handed power bat, naturally have their eyes on him. SSG Landers, based in Choi’s hometown of Incheon, also have good reason to be interested, especially given their home-friendly ballpark. The Samsung Lions, known for their hitter-friendly stadium, see Choi as a potential jackpot as well. Other teams are also likely to join this intense standoff.
The most striking aspect of this draft is Choi’s potential salary. If drafted as a rookie, he would be bound by the lowest possible salary for a first-year player: 33 million won. According to Article 107 of the KBO’s regulations regarding “Special Cases for Players Returning from Abroad,” a player returning from overseas must wait two years before entering the draft. Even if selected, they receive no signing bonus and must play their first season at the minimum salary. For teams struggling with salary cap pressure, the chance to sign a player who once earned billions of won in the Major Leagues for a rookie’s price is an irresistible temptation.
Teams holding early draft picks now face a happy dilemma. For those declaring a “Win-Now” strategy, the answer is clear. Choosing a proven slugger like Choi, rather than a rookie who needs years to develop, is a more practical way to secure immediate success.
However, the outlook is not entirely rosy. The biggest concern remains Choi’s physical condition. His persistent knee injury, which plagued him during his time in the MLB, is a key factor. Additionally, approaching age 37 (by Korean age), the natural decline in performance might make some teams hesitate.
Choi is currently a member of the independent club Ulsan Whales, focusing on rehabilitating his knee injury with the goal of playing in July. If he can prove his full health before the September draft, his draft stock is likely to rise sharply. Already, talk is circulating on baseball forums and in the field that “the team that gets Choi will be the top contender for the championship next year.” Teams in need of a reliable designated hitter or first baseman are closely monitoring Choi’s every move.
