The 2024 KBO Rookie Draft is just around the corner, and with a strong pitching prospect class, there is a lot of interest in Seoul High School pitcher Jeon Jun-pyo, who is the favourite to be selected in the first round. Joon-pyo has expressed his desire to become the ‘next Moon Dong-joo’.
Along with Lee Chan-sol, Jeon was considered a “one-two punch” for Seoul High this year. Their paths have diverged, with Lee choosing to challenge himself in the US Major Leagues and joining the Boston Red Sox. Jun-pyo Jeon is expected to enter the KBO draft and aim for a first-round selection.메이저사이트
In 14 appearances (46.2 innings) in official competition this year, Jeon went 3-2 with a 2.87 ERA, 46 strikeouts, 23 walks and a 1.02 WHIP. With his fastball and breaking ball, he has the potential to develop into a starting pitcher in the future.
Seoul High pitcher Jeon Jun-pyo is preparing to enter the rookie draft after completing this year’s official competition. Photo by Kim Geun-han (Shinwol)
Seoul Go coach Yoo Jung-min said, “(Jun-pyo) has a very good fastball and a very good delivery. If he goes to the professional stage, he can be recommended as a starting resource under a long-term development plan rather than a bullpen. In the end, improving his changeup is the key. If he can improve his slider, which is his main weapon, and his movement, he will be able to succeed in the professional game.”
Jun-pyo Jeon topped out at 150km/h on his fastball in an official game this year. “My target velocity this year was 153km/h, but I only reached 150km/h, so I was very disappointed,” he told MK Sports at Shinwol Baseball Stadium, where he recently played in the Bonghwangdae National High School Baseball Tournament, “but I threw the ball to the best of my ability without regret, so I’m waiting for the rookie draft with trepidation.
Along with LA Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani, Jun-pyo cited Hanwha Eagles pitcher Moon Dong-ju as his role models.
“I would like to introduce fans to pitchers with good crisis management skills, fastballs, and mental strength. Oh and Moon are my role models. Especially recently, I’ve been watching videos of Moon’s pitches and I’m learning a lot because I want to throw like that. I want to refine my slider movement and grow into a pitcher who can pitch long innings.”
Kiwoom on the radar with ‘two 1Rs’? Can Jun-pyo Jeon fulfil his first-round dream?
Seoul High School pitcher Jun-pyo Jeon is a favourite to be selected in the late first round of the upcoming rookie draft. Photo by Jun-pyo Jeon
Jun-pyo Jeon is a favourite to be selected in the late first round. In particular, the Kiwoom Heroes, who have two first-round picks (eighth and ninth overall) after trading with the LG Twins, are likely to be on his radar.
“My personal goal is to be drafted in the first round. I am confident that I can live up to the expectations of the club that selected me in the first round. Above all, there is a recent trend of seniors from Seoul High adapting to the professional stage quickly. I want to appeal to the scouts that I am also confident of adapting as quickly as possible. I hope to meet my older brothers (Lee) Byung-heon and (Kim) Seo-hyun, who I played with at school, at the ballpark when I go to the pros,” he smiled.
Finally, Jeon Jun-pyo said, “I’m very grateful to my parents for raising me and supporting me for 19 years. It’s unfortunate that I couldn’t participate in the last Phoenix Games due to my poor physical condition, but I want to go to the professional stage as soon as possible and throw the ball in front of baseball fans. I will definitely show good performance as long as the fans support me.”
Seoul High pitcher Jeon Jun-pyo cites Otani and Moon Dong-joo as his role models. Photo by Jeon Jun-pyo