Full Breakdown
Arizona Diamondbacks Sign South Korean Two-Way Prospect Jun-Sang Eom
6/20/2026, 2:26:17 AM
Deal Announcement and Core Details
On Tuesday, the Arizona Diamondbacks announced a minor-league agreement with 18-year-old South Korean two-way prospect Jun-Sang Eom. The contract includes a $1.5 million signing bonus and will become effective after Eom graduates from high school in South Korea. The player visited Chase Field in Phoenix before the Diamondbacks’ game against the Los Angeles Angels, where he participated in batting practice and infield drills.
Background: Korean Presence in Major League Baseball
Eom joins a growing cohort of Korean players active in MLB during the 2024 season. The group includes Los Angeles Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, Atlanta Braves infielder Ha-Seong Kim, and Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Hyeseong Kim. Their presence underscores the increasing pipeline of talent from South Korea to the major leagues.
Player Profile: Jun-Sang Eom
- Age/Physical Attributes: 18 years old; 6 feet 1 inch; 205 pounds.
- Primary Position: Shortstop, with the option to pitch as a right-handed thrower.
- International Experience: Starting shortstop for the 2025 WBSC South Korea U-18 national team.
- Domestic Prospect Ranking: Identified as one of the “Big 3” high-school prospects for the 2026 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) rookie draft.
Eom indicated that his initial focus will be on infield play, while remaining open to returning to the mound as his development dictates.
Financial Terms and Contract Structure
The agreement is a minor-league contract, distinct from a major-league roster spot. The $1.5 million signing bonus reflects the Diamondbacks’ assessment of Eom as a top amateur prospect from South Korea. The contract stipulates that Eom will join the organization after completing his high-school education, with an anticipated arrival before the 2025 spring training period.
Official Statements & Responses
The Diamondbacks’ front office confirmed the signing during a press release, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to expanding its international talent pool. In remarks attributed to Eom, the prospect expressed readiness to concentrate on shortstop duties initially, while acknowledging the possibility of pitching duties later in his career. No additional commentary from league officials or other parties was provided in the source material.
Future Integration and Timeline
Eom is expected to graduate from high school in South Korea and travel to the United States to report to the Diamondbacks’ minor-league system before the start of the 2025 spring training. The organization plans to evaluate his progress in the infield first, with the potential to explore his pitching capabilities based on performance and development needs.
Data Summary
- Signing Bonus: $1.5 million
- Age: 18 years (as of signing)
- Height/Weight: 6 ft 1 in / 205 lb
- Positions: Shortstop (primary), Right-handed pitcher (secondary)
- International Role: 2025 WBSC South Korea U-18 team shortstop
- Prospect Ranking: “Big 3” high-school prospect for 2026 KBO draft
The acquisition marks a strategic addition to Arizona’s farm system, aligning with broader trends of MLB clubs investing in high-potential talent from the Korean baseball pipeline.
