Blue Jays Secure South Korean Pitching Prospect Moon Seo-jun

Toronto: The Toronto Blue Jays have finalized the signing of South Korean pitching prospect Moon Seo-jun. The Blue Jays announced their deal with the 18-year-old right-hander, marking a significant addition to their roster. The team did not disclose financial details, but Moon's Seoul-based agency, Leeco Sports Agency, confirmed he had signed for a US$1.5 million bonus.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets were also believed to have shown interest in the promising pitcher, who stands at 196 centimeters. Moon, a graduate of Jangchung High School in Seoul, makes history as the first South Korean international amateur signing for the Blue Jays.Throughout his three-year high school career, Moon achieved a 6-2 record with a 2.18 ERA, alongside 93 strikeouts and 38 walks in 66 innings. Notably, he did not allow a home run. His pitching repertoire includes a fastball clocking around 150 kph, complemented by a slider, curveball, changeup, and two-seam fastball.Moon was a nticipated to be a top-three selection in the recent Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) draft but opted for an international career. Expressing his aspirations, Moon stated, "I've always dreamed of pitching in Major League Baseball, and it's an honor to have the opportunity to do so with the Toronto Blue Jays," as per a statement by Leeco. "I will try to take it one step at a time and not be afraid of failure."The Blue Jays have previously welcomed two South Korean pitchers to their major league roster through free agency: reliever Oh Seung-hwan in 2018 and starter Ryu Hyun-jin from 2020 to 2023. Both players have since returned to the KBO.