Here's When the 'Korean Shohei Ohtani' Could Join Texas Rangers

While Ohtani was able to dominate baseball from a two-way perspective when healthy as a pitcher, he did so largely as a designated hitter also. It will be incredibly difficult for Kim to perform as a pitcher and a position player, but the Rangers appear set to let him try, at least at the outset.

“We're so excited about Seong-Jun Kim, a world-class talent and also a world-class person,” said Rangers senior director of international scouting and development Hamilton Wise. “We've been so impressed with him defensively at shortstop and in the batter's box, but also on the pitcher's mound. We have full intent as an organization to develop him as a two-way player.

If playing the field becomes too difficult to balance, there's a chance that he also could be limited to DH-only status, but even succeeding "just" at that would provide the Rangers with an incredible amount of organizational value.

When Kim does join the organization, it's unclear how the team will integrate him into pro ball, but we should start to get some answers around spring training of 2026.