MLB.com: Noh Si-hwan Described as Third Baseman with Power... Defense Remains Question

Evaluation has emerged that the powerful hitting of Noh Si-hwan (25, Hanwha Eagles), who is pursuing a move to Major League Baseball (MLB) through the posting system (private competitive bidding), will also translate to the big leagues.

On November 2, MLB.com introduced five KBO League players with the potential to advance to MLB and reported evaluations of each player by an anonymous MLB scout.

The scout evaluated Noh as a "third baseman with strong power," while also noting that "he has somewhat of a weakness defensively."

Whether Noh will be recognized for his hitting ability enough to be utilized as a designated hitter and whether he will receive terms comparable to his long-term contract with Hanwha were cited as key factors for his entry into the United States.

The St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Angels were named as suitable clubs for his acquisition.

This season, Noh appeared in 127 games, recording a batting average of 0.283 (143 hits in 505 at-bats), 29 home runs, 96 RBIs, and 97 runs scored.

In February, he signed an 11-year multi-year non-FA contract with Hanwha worth a total of 30.7 billion won, including options.

The contract included a clause allowing him to pursue an MLB career through the posting system after the conclusion of this season.

On October 31, the KBO office accepted a request from the Hanwha club and officially asked the MLB office to post Noh.

The deadline for contract negotiations is 7:00 AM on December 2 (5:00 PM EST on December 1).

MLB.com also analyzed the prospects of other KBO League players advancing to the big leagues.

Kwak Been (Doosan Bears), who recorded 11 wins, 7 losses, a 2.24 ERA, and 197 strikeouts this year, received high praise for his fastballs and changeups, though it was noted that further verification is needed for him as a starting pitcher, and he was classified as a No. 4 or No. 5 starter in MLB.

Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers), who captured this year's home run crown with 45 home runs, was evaluated as a hitter capable of hitting 20 to 25 home runs per season in the big leagues, backed by his ability to attack fastballs and adapt to breaking balls.

Kim Joo-won (NC Dinos) was recognized for his speed, plate discipline, and ability to play both shortstop and second base.

Evaluations suggest he can be expected to hit double-digit home runs and steal 30 to 40 bases every year in MLB as well.

Won Tae-in (Samsung Lions) has strengths in his changeup and inning-eating ability, but it was projected that he would be better suited for the bullpen than the starting rotation in the big leagues.

MLB.com projected the expected timing for their entry into the big leagues as 2027 for Noh Si-hwan and Won Tae-in, 2028 for Kwak Been and Kim Joo-won, and 2029 for Kim Do-young.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.