After eight years of carving out a name for himself on the grand stage of Major League Baseball, Choi Ji-man is preparing for a heartfelt homecoming that has fans and pundits buzzing across Korea’s baseball landscape. The 34-year-old slugger, who first broke into the MLB with the LA Angels in 2016 and went on to play for the Yankees, Brewers, Rays, Pirates, and Padres, now has his sights firmly set on the KBO League. And if his recent candid interviews are any indication, Choi’s journey is as much about personal redemption as it is about athletic achievement.
Appearing on the popular YouTube channel ‘Namumiki Heungsinso’ earlier this month, Choi opened up about the highs and lows of his baseball odyssey. “I’ve often said I want to finish my career in front of Korean fans,” Choi confessed, his voice tinged with both nostalgia and determination. “If not now, I may never get the chance.”
Choi’s American adventure was marked by both triumph and adversity. Over 525 MLB games, he posted a .234 batting average, launched 67 home runs, drove in 238 runs, scored 190 times, and notched an OPS of 0.764. His 2019 campaign with the Tampa Bay Rays was particularly memorable, as he set a personal best with 19 homers and reached double-digit home runs in four separate seasons. Yet, beneath the surface of those statistics, Choi’s journey was anything but easy.
During the interview, Choi didn’t shy away from discussing the challenges he faced in the US. He recalled the financial hardships of his early minor league days, saying, “There were times when I had to split a Chipotle burrito in half just to save on food expenses.” He also spoke candidly about the racial discrimination he encountered, sharing, “People would say things like ‘kimchi smell’ or ‘garlic smell’ to me. I’d just joke back or make the smell even stronger. I realized there was no point in fighting—it wasn’t my country, so I turned it into humor.”
Team culture was another adjustment. “With the LA Angels, rookies had to go through hazing rituals—like staying awake on flights or making sure beer never ran out on the bus,” Choi remembered with a chuckle. “But when I tried that with the Yankees, they told me, ‘We don’t do that here.’ It was a completely different atmosphere.”
But Choi’s story isn’t just about overcoming obstacles. It’s about pride and resilience. One of his fondest memories is facing Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. “I might be the only Asian hitter to homer off Ohtani,” Choi said, grinning. “That’s a lifelong bragging right. As a batter, Ohtani is untouchable, but as a pitcher, I felt he was conquerable. Watching him swing, the bat made a ‘whoosh’ sound—he’s incredible.”
Now, as he prepares for the next chapter, Choi finds himself at a crossroads familiar to many Korean baseball legends. He openly admires predecessors like Lee Dae-ho, who returned home after stints in Japan and the US to retire with the Lotte Giants, and Park Chan-ho, who finished his career with Hanwha. “I envy those seniors,” Choi admitted. “It’s not about the glamour; it’s about ending well. I want to experience that, too.”
Choi’s return to Korea has not been without its bureaucratic hurdles. Under KBO regulations, overseas players must undergo a two-year waiting period before joining the league. Choi enlisted as a social service agent in May 2025, but aggravated knee pain led to a medical reclassification and an early discharge after just three months. While some might see this as another setback, Choi views it as a chance to pursue his dream sooner rather than later.
“I’m preparing for this year’s draft,” he said. “I know I’m not young, but I have hope. I want to play my last games in Korea, for the fans who have supported me all these years.” That hope is tinged with realism—Choi knows he doesn’t get to choose his KBO destination. “I’d love to play in front of Incheon fans, but I don’t have a say in which team picks me.”
Still, Choi isn’t shy about his preferences. When asked where he’d like to go, he replied, “I want to join a team that can win a championship.” He reminisced about recent training stints with the LG Twins, praising their depth and talent: “LG’s second-string players are amazing. They just haven’t had a chance yet.” When pressed if he’d like to join LG, Choi laughed and said, “Pick me, please!” He also mentioned Doosan, Lotte, and his hometown Incheon, promising to give his all wherever he lands. “If Lotte picks me, I’ll work hard. That’s my mission.”
Choi’s humility and drive have endeared him to fans on both sides of the Pacific. His MLB career, while not always smooth, is a rare feat for a Korean hitter. From his debut in 2016 to his final MLB at-bats, he proved that perseverance and adaptability can carry a player far—even when the odds seem stacked against him.
Beyond the diamond, Choi is already contemplating life after baseball. He’s been open about the physical toll of his career, especially his recurring knee issues, and is considering how best to transition into retirement once his playing days are done. But for now, the focus remains squarely on the upcoming KBO rookie draft in September 2026—a moment that could redefine his legacy.
As September approaches, anticipation is building. Will Choi Ji-man become the latest in a line of Korean baseball icons to return home for a storybook finish? One thing’s for sure: wherever he ends up, fans can expect the same grit, humor, and determination that have defined his remarkable journey so far.
For Choi, the next swing might just be the most meaningful of his career.