The 2026 KBO rookie draft, held on September 17, 2025, at the illustrious Seoul Lotte Hotel World Crystal Ballroom, delivered its fair share of drama, surprises, and emotional moments. Among the most talked-about stories was the journey of right-handed pitcher Yang Woo-jin, who, despite suffering a recent elbow stress fracture, was selected as the first-round 8th pick by the defending champions, the LG Twins. This selection not only sparked excitement among LG’s management and fanbase but also raised questions about the team’s future pitching strategy and the resilience of young prospects facing adversity.
Yang Woo-jin’s path to the LG Twins was far from straightforward. Just weeks before the draft, the promising pitcher from Gyeonggi Aviation High School was sidelined by an elbow injury, preventing him from representing South Korea at the 32nd World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup in Okinawa, Japan. Many experts predicted that, had it not been for the injury, Yang would have been a near-lock for a top-five selection. Instead, uncertainty over his health caused him to slip to the eighth pick, much to the surprise—and delight—of LG’s front office.
LG Twins general manager Cha Myung-seok couldn’t contain his excitement after calling Yang’s name. "I feel lucky. I never imagined he would be available at this spot. It’s a meaningful day," Cha said with a broad smile, according to MyDaily. The Twins’ faith in Yang’s recovery and potential was echoed by manager Yeom Kyung-yeop, who dismissed any lingering concerns about the pitcher’s injury. "The stress fracture doesn’t matter at all. There’s no issue with him joining spring camp," Yeom confidently told reporters, making it clear that LG is already envisioning a future powered by a stable of fireballers capable of throwing 150 km/h.
Yang’s high school statistics, even with the injury setback, paint the picture of a pitcher with considerable upside. Over 11 games this season, he posted a 3-1 record with an ERA of 3.19 across 48 innings—a solid showing in the fiercely competitive Korea High School Baseball Federation. LG’s scouting department was quick to highlight Yang’s physical attributes, noting his strong build, stable pitching mechanics, and the ability to generate power and movement on his fastball from a high release point. The organization also values his versatility, believing he can contribute both as a starter and in relief roles.
For Yang himself, hearing his name called in the first round was the realization of a dream that, not so long ago, had seemed distant. "It’s an honor to be picked in the first round, and I’m really happy to join LG," Yang said, beaming. "I tried not to think too much about the draft order, but as each name was called, I got more nervous. When my name was finally announced, I was thrilled. I want to prepare well and show my best next season." Yang also revealed that, as a child, he had been a fan of Nexen and Kiwoom, but now, with a laugh, he declared, "It’s all about LG."
Yang’s journey has been marked by perseverance. His mother, visibly moved during the ceremony, shared her gratitude: "Many people hoped he would come to LG, and now that dream has come true. I’m thankful to the coaches and everyone who supported him. He struggled with baseball until middle school, but I’m glad he didn’t give up—he really worked hard." Yang echoed this sentiment, admitting that academic pressures made his early years challenging, but his love for the game and support from mentors kept him focused on baseball.
Despite the injury, optimism abounds regarding Yang’s recovery. He reported, "The doctors say I’m recovering well. I should be ready to start throwing again by late October or early November." Looking ahead, Yang expressed his ambition to make an immediate impact: "I want to do well from my debut season, just like senior Kim Young-woo. I’m eager to learn from the coaches and my teammates." He’s particularly keen to improve his changeup, hoping to pick up tips from veteran pitcher Lim Chan-kyu.
LG’s draft strategy this year was bold and clear: build a bullpen brimming with velocity. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop didn’t hide his ambitions, stating, "My dream is to have a bullpen full of pitchers in their twenties who can all throw 150 km/h. We’ve done it before—players like Lee Bo-geun and Kim Taek-hyung went from throwing 138 km/h to 150 km/h after joining our camp. We’ll use that approach again." With Yang Woo-jin now in the fold, Yeom was effusive: "Thank you for letting us draft him. I’m overjoyed—we just added another 150 km/h arm to our staff."
The draft itself was a major event for the KBO, with 1,261 aspiring players—ranging from high school and university graduates to early draft applicants and overseas amateurs—hoping to hear their names called. Only 8.72% made the cut, as all 10 teams exercised their picks across 11 rounds, shaping the future of Korean professional baseball. The LG Twins, in particular, made waves by selecting eight players, with Yang Woo-jin as the headline acquisition. The following day, the action continued as LG picked Yoon Ki-seok and Song Seung-gi in the early rounds, further bolstering their roster for the upcoming season.
The first round featured a mix of pitchers and position players. Kiwoom Heroes used the top overall pick on right-handed pitcher Park Jun-hyun, followed by NC Dinos’ selection of infielder Shin Jae-in and Hanwha Eagles’ pick of outfielder Oh Jae-won. Yang Woo-jin’s slide to LG at eighth overall was one of the night’s biggest surprises, attributed largely to concerns over his elbow. Yet, at 190 cm tall and already touching 150 km/h with his fastball, many believe LG may have landed a future star at a bargain.
Yang’s draft story is a testament to resilience, talent, and the unpredictable nature of sports. As the LG Twins look to defend their KBO title and build a bullpen that could intimidate any lineup, all eyes will be on Yang’s recovery and his integration into the professional ranks. If his determination and gratitude are any indication, LG fans have every reason to be optimistic about what’s to come.
With the draft now in the rearview mirror and spring training on the horizon, the anticipation for Yang Woo-jin’s debut in LG colors is palpable. The Twins are betting big on his arm—and if all goes to plan, Yang could become the latest young ace to take the KBO by storm.
