Despite MLB offers, Shin Jae-in opts for KBO development; GM highlights power, speed, defense

[OSEN=Cho Hyung-rae Reporter] "Received offers from two ML teams, but..."

The NC Dinos were a surprising team in the 2026 rookie draft. Holding the overall second pick, NC shook up the draft hall from their first selection. With Kiwoom's first overall pick confirmed as Park Jun-hyun (Bukil High), the draft's landscape could shift depending on NC's choice.

Yang Woo-jin (Gyeonggi Aviation High, LG's pick) was a strong candidate for the second overall pick, but concerns about a fatigue fracture in his elbow persisted. Other first-round pitching prospects included Shin Dong-geon (Dongsan High, Lotte's pick) and Kim Min-jun (Gyeongbuk High, SSG's pick). However, NC did not hesitate and confidently selected Yunshin High infielder Shin Jae-in. With a position player taken second overall instead of a pitcher, the draft hall's atmosphere turned peculiar. NC's choice was indeed bold.

This does not mean Shin was unworthy of the second pick. Standing 185 cm and weighing 82 kg, Shin primarily played third base this year. He recorded a .337 batting average (31 hits in 92 at-bats), 4 home runs, 30 RBIs, 26 runs scored, 30 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.050 in 26 games.

General Manager Lim Sun-nam described Shin: "He is a right-handed power-hitting infielder with the ability to produce extra-base hits based on precise contact and strong wrist power. We expect improvements in his batted ball distance and speed, and he possesses the power to hit home runs in every at-bat while maintaining a low strikeout rate. With a strong shoulder that reaches the mid-140 km/h range on the mound, he has sufficient potential as an infielder defensively. His speed also allows for solo steals. We look forward to him growing into a central batter representing NC in the future."

Shin Jae-in and other rookies visited Changwon NC Park on the 19th. They met Head Coach Lee Ho-jun and held interviews with the press. Shin said, "I was really happy to be picked so early. I didn't think much about being the first position player, but I feel some pride in that. I was startled. I didn't expect to be picked, and it didn't feel real until I had to give my acceptance speech. For a while, I couldn't believe I was the second overall pick."

He had predicted, "I thought I might be picked around the fifth overall by SSG." But he added, "That doesn't mean I viewed SSG favorably. I just hoped to be picked around that range." SSG is the team of Yunshin High alumnus Choi Jeong, Shin's senior. Shin's current position, third base, is the same as Choi's. However, Shin immediately thought of NC. He said, "NC also has senior Kim Ju-won."

Though not yet close with Kim Ju-won, Shin mentioned, "I met Kim Ju-won during volunteer work, but we didn't talk much about baseball. However, I followed him on social media first."

Shin introduced himself as "an all-around player who can perform above average in running, hitting, and fielding." Despite hitting 4 home runs this year, he emphasized his style is not about power hitting. He explained, "People might see me as a home run hitter, but I think I'm more of a middle-distance batter. I aim to hit the ball accurately toward center field and the pitcher's direction. Precise contact leads to faster batted balls, which can result in more home runs. That's why I focus on making clean contact."

He added, "Third base is comfortable, but I believe I can play other positions with enough practice. Even if it's not third base, I think I have the value to contribute in any position." Originally a shortstop, his role model is Derek Jeter. He said, "I played shortstop until middle school and considered him the best. The Yankees were a strong team, and he showed great leadership, so I have a lot to learn."

With Derek Jeter as his role model, Shin has longed for the MLB stage. His peers, Kim Seong-jun (Gwangju Il High, Texas Rangers contract) and Mun Seo-jun (Jangchung High, Toronto Blue Jays contract), are already pursuing MLB careers. Shin also revealed he received MLB offers.

He said, "MLB is obviously my biggest goal. I received offers from two teams in high school. The reason I didn't accept was that I wanted to learn more in the KBO before moving to the U.S. If the opportunity arises, going to America will remain my goal."

Shin showcased a bold attitude matching NC's surprising choice. Can he prove NC's decision was correct? "I'm happy to play baseball at the best stadium in the country. I've heard NC has passionate fans, and I'm really looking forward to it," he said, steeling his resolve.

NC Dinos make bold pick, select Shin Jae-in second overall