From Tears at Cheongryonggi to Stellar Pitching Against Japan to 150km at the National Sports Festival—Now Building His Body... Next Year’s Top Prospect Ha Hyeonseung Launches 'Monster Project'

[Financial News] Ha Hyeonseung, a sophomore at Busan High School Baseball Team and considered the top high school baseball prospect for 2025, is entering a period of hibernation to prepare for bigger goals. Although there were some regrets, he spent a meaningful year and is now preparing to reinvent himself as a true 'monster' on the mound.
On October 19, during the first round of the Korean National Sports Festival against Daejeon High School, Ha Hyeonseung drew the attention of scouts nationwide by reaching a top speed of 150km. He pitched seven innings, struck out ten, and allowed only one run—his best official performance of the season.
However, Ha Hyeonseung's focus has already shifted elsewhere. Now is the time for true 'body building.' Since the Korean National Sports Festival, he has stopped throwing to concentrate on rest, strength training, and improving his basic physical fitness.
After a grueling schedule that included the Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship, the South Korea national youth baseball team, and the Korean National Sports Festival, his stamina was completely depleted. He stated, "From now on, I will build my body as a pitcher," as he embarked on a new training routine.

In an interview with our outlet, Ha Hyeonseung said, "This winter, I will focus more on training as a pitcher."
From a pitching perspective, Ha Hyeonseung's biggest challenge is maintaining stamina and velocity. He reached a top speed of 148km during the Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship qualifiers, but his velocity dropped to the low 140km range as games progressed. While he occasionally throws at his top speed, most of his pitches settle in the low 140s.
He has the smooth mechanics to pitch deep into games, but lacks the strength to consistently throw with power. This was also evident in the finals against Deoksu High School, where accumulated fatigue affected his performance.
However, he was a different player for the national team. Against Japan, he pitched 3.1 innings, allowed just one run and only one hit, delivering the best performance among his teammates. While Park Jun-hyun, the first overall pick with a signing bonus of 700 million won, allowed five hits and was pulled early, Ha Hyeonseung played the role of savior for the Korean team.

Ha Hyeonseung’s strengths are clear: a still-growing frame, long arms, smooth pitching form, quick feet, and above all, his left hand.
Tall left-handed pitchers are always a rare commodity in Korean high school baseball. If he gains a bit more weight and velocity, scouts believe he has enough potential to become a starting pitcher at the professional level.
Among scouts, there is a consensus: "Ha Hyeonseung is not a finished product, but structurally, he has tremendous room for growth." Standing well over 190cm, if he improves his lower body balance, his pitches will naturally gain more life. With his height, his downward angle makes it difficult for hitters to make solid contact.
Additionally, as a hitter, Ha Hyeonseung is already recognized by Major League Baseball (MLB). Given the current atmosphere, if he chooses to, moving to the United States would not be a major challenge.
Most teams eyeing Ha Hyeonseung are interested in his potential as a hitter. In MLB, where 160km fastballs are no longer rare, it is perhaps natural that he has yet to be recognized as a pitcher.
But as a hitter, it’s a different story. His tall, slender frame, quick feet, and surprising power at the plate suggest he has the makings of a top outfielder.

A representative from a Major League Baseball team commented, "His physique is reminiscent of Shohei Ohtani in high school. In Korea, he could become a player like Koo Ja-wook, who is active in the U.S., or develop into a power hitter. Watching him hit during the Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Championship, I was very impressed."
Conversely, in Korea, his value as a pitcher could be immense. Even if he works as a reliever while playing both ways, he would still have significant merit. His smooth pitching form also suggests potential as a starter. Given the scarcity of tall left-handed pitchers in Korea, his value on the mound is undeniable.
If a team like the Kiwoom Heroes, known for actively utilizing rookies, selects Ha Hyeonseung, many believe it would not be impossible for him to play both as a pitcher and a hitter.
With his rare value as a left-handed pitcher and high potential as an outfielder, Ha Hyeonseung is a player who can draw a 'picture of success' in any direction.

For now, Ha Hyeonseung has set aside the option of going abroad. He is not rushing any decisions. While he will need to think things over, he believes the decision can wait. For now, the most important thing is his body.
Only by building a stronger body can he maintain his velocity and generate more power at the plate. Whether as a pitcher or hitter, physical strength is the foundation. If he boosts his power and corrects his balance during the offseason, next year’s Ha Hyeonseung could be a completely different player. The 150km fastball from his left hand and the unique power he shows at the plate are proof of his potential.
Ha Hyeonseung is still an unpolished gem. However, he has begun to refine that raw talent in earnest. The results are expected to be seen for the first time at the Prestigious High School Baseball Tournament in March 2026.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter