Ha Hyun-seung Signs Record Rookie Deal With Kiwoom Heroes
Seoul, South Korea -- The Kiwoom Heroes have signed two-way prospect Ha Hyun-seung to a rookie contract carrying a signing bonus of 1.6 billion won (US$1.2 million), the largest in Korea Baseball Organization history.
The organization announced the deal on Oct. 7, according to Yonhap News Agency. The figure surpasses the previous record of 1 billion won set by Han Ki-joo in 2006.
Ha, 18, was selected first overall at the annual KBO draft last month. During the draft announcement, Heroes general manager Huh Seung-pil identified Ha as a "pitcher and position player," highlighting his versatility on the field.
Statistical Dominance in High School and International Play
Ha’s selection follows a dominant high school season. According to Yonhap, he posted a 4-0 record with a 0.39 earned run average in 42 2/3 innings during his final year of high school baseball. His pitching performance included 77 strikeouts against only 11 walks.
At the plate for Busan High School, Ha demonstrated significant offensive capability as well. He batted .383/.495/.593 with three home runs and 21 RBIs in 24 games.
His performance extended to international competition as well. At the U18 Asian Baseball Championship in September, Ha went 3-0 without allowing a run in 15 2/3 innings, recording 25 strikeouts.
MLB Interest and KBO Postseason Timeline
Before the draft, Ha drew interest from Major League Baseball clubs but chose to begin his professional career in South Korea.
While Ha prepares for his professional debut, the KBO has announced that the postseason will begin next Wednesday with a wild card round between the fourth-place and fifth-place teams from the regular season.
In the wild card round, the higher-seeded team advances with one win or tie in two attempts, while the lower-seeded team must win two straight games.
KT Wiz clinched the pennant on Oct. 5, securing a direct ticket to the Korean Series championship round. The Samsung Lions have secured the second seed in the postseason.
The Kia Tigers, LG Twins, and Doosan Bears are currently competing for the final three postseason spots.
The Korean Series is set to begin Nov. 2 barring rainouts and will be a best-of-seven format. If the series goes seven games, the Wiz will host Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 on consecutive days, including Nov. 9 and 10 for the final two games.
Ties in postseason play will be declared after 15 innings, compared to 11 innings during the regular season.