“No wonder Dad belted out ‘La Bamba’!” Left-hander Park Geun-seo, who tops out at 150 kph, signs with Lotte for 300 million won

[Financial News] There is a memorable scene etched in baseball fans’ minds: a father’s folksy rendition of “La Bamba” ringing through the venue at the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft. Park Geun-seo (Seoul Design High School), the young player associated with that cheerful performance and the “ace left-hander” set to anchor the Lotte Giants for the next 10 years, has finally donned the Giants uniform.
The Lotte Giants have taken a strong first step toward the 2027 season, completing signing agreements with all 11 “Baby Giants” they selected in the 2027 rookie draft.
According to an announcement from Lotte on the 11th, left-handed pitcher Park Geun-seo, selected by the Giants in the first round, signed for a substantial 300 million won signing bonus. Park is the “fully formed left-handed starter” Sajik has been craving. He throws a powerful fastball that approaches 150 kph and has already demonstrated his ability to work deep into games at the high school level. His greatest strength is considered to be his composure under pressure: even in a crisis, he never flinches, delivering his pitches right into the mitt. Having already shown star potential before his debut through his father’s “La Bamba,” he is already raising expectations about the fresh energy he will bring to Lotte’s mound.



The position players and pitchers selected in the early rounds also signed without a hitch. Second-round pick Bae Jong-yun signed for 150 million won. With a smooth swing, excellent range in the field, a strong arm and quick feet, Bae has the potential to be a “five-tool player” who will energize Lotte’s outfield.
Third-round pick Lee Hyeon-min received a 100 million won signing bonus. He is an outstanding pitcher who attacks hitters with blazing fastballs topping out in the upper 140s km/h. His gritty refusal to back down on the mound is expected to fire up Lotte fans.
With the ink now dry on their contracts, the 11 rookies made an emotional first introduction to Lotte fans at the “Rookie Day” event held at Sajik Baseball Stadium the previous day (the 10th). Having felt the fans’ thunderous cheers all around them, they will join the team at Sangdong Baseball Stadium in Gimhae on the 21st. That will mark the start of their first intensive preparations for the battle to survive in the professional ranks.
Like the lively rhythm of “La Bamba,” can Lotte’s 2027 rookies usher in a new golden age for the Giant squad? The future of Busan baseball rests on the sweat the 11 Baby Giants will pour out at Sangdong.


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