The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a significant addition to their roster, signing two-way player Jun-Sang Eom, a projected top pick in the KBO Draft, to a multi-million dollar contract. This move comes just five months after the 2026 international signing period opened, showcasing the team's early commitment to bolstering their talent pool.
Eom, an 18-year-old shortstop, impressed with his versatility during the 2025 U18 Baseball World Cup in Japan. His ability to excel both offensively and defensively, coupled with his pitching prowess, makes him a highly sought-after prospect. The Diamondbacks are confident in his potential, offering him a substantial signing bonus of around $1.5 million.
One of Eom's standout qualities is his defensive skills at shortstop. His arm strength and feel for footwork make him a reliable defender, and his in-game instincts further solidify his position as a premium player at this role. Offensively, Eom is currently a hit-over-power type, but evaluators believe there's room for growth, especially in terms of extra-base power.
On the mound, Eom's fastball has been clocked at 95 mph, with a primary pitch sitting in the 91-92 range. His secondary offering, an 84-87 mph slider, and a low-80s splitter with late life, showcase his above-average command and feel for sequencing. These traits are rare for teenage pitchers, making Eom a polished prospect in this regard.
Manager Torey Lovullo expressed his enthusiasm for Eom's talent, emphasizing the tools he possesses and the reasons for his high demand. Despite the initial focus on his defensive and offensive skills, Lovullo hinted at the possibility of Eom's future involvement in pitching, a trend that has gained traction in recent years.
The Diamondbacks' signing of Eom follows a similar pattern of clubs embracing two-way players, as seen with the Athletics' Shotaro Morii and the Rangers' Josh Owens. The Korean high school ranks have produced notable players, such as Chan-Min Park and Seong-Jun Kim, who have successfully transitioned to Major League Baseball.
The Diamondbacks' acquisition of Eom adds another layer of excitement to their organization. With only 30 players from South Korea reaching the Major League level, Eom's signing represents a significant step in the team's history. The only previous Korean player to don a D-backs uniform was Byung-Hyun Kim, a pivotal figure in the team's 2001 World Series victory.
