"K-pop Ohtani"; "We're now Ros Angeres Dogders" - Fans buzz as Dodgers 21-year-old prospect Hyun-Seok Jang turns heads with near-100 mph heat

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers-World Series Celebration - Source: Imagn
Fans buzz as Dodgers 21-year-old prospect Hyun-Seok Jang turns heads with near-100 mph heat - Source: Imagn

The Los Angeles Dodgers bid farewell to franchise legend Clayton Kershaw, who announced his retirement from baseball after 18 seasons with the team. However, the team might have already found a potential replacement for the three-time Cy Young winner.

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Hyun-Seok Jang, a right-handed pitcher from South Korea, is turning heads on social media after the Dodgers prospect threw a 99mph fastball for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.

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Fans reacted to the 21-year-old pitching sensation's heater on social media.

"Dodgers will be soon an Asian baseball team," wrote a fan.
"We are the Ros Angeres Dodgers," joked a fan.
"Oh yup, welcome home buddy."
(Image source - Instagram)
(Image source - Instagram)
"Japan Dodgers," wrote another fan.
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"K-pop Ohtani," wrote another fan.
(Image source - Instagram)
(Image source - Instagram)

The Dodgers boast a strong Asian contingent with three Japanese stars; Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, a feature of the starting lineup. Earlier this year, South Korean outfielder Hyeseong Kim signed for the Dodgers on a three-year $12.5 million contract.

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Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also shared an Asian connection as he was born in Japan to a Japanese mother, a native of Okinawa.

Hyun-Seok Jang, the No.21 prospect in the Dodgers organization, was projected to be the No. 1 pick in the Korea Baseball Organization draft in 2023. However, the right-handed pitcher signed a $900,000 contract with the Dodgers instead.

A call up to Dodgers' senior team could be on the cards for Hyun-Seok Jang

The young flamethrower could see some game time during next year's Spring Training. However, transition to the senior team might prove to be a bit too soon, as rookie Japanese ace Roki Sasaki found out this season.

Sasaki, a coveted starting pitcher from Japan, struggled with control in his rookie season and was utilized from the bullpen during the postseason as the Dodgers successfully defended their World Series title against the Toronto Blue Jays.

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Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
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