SEOUL — Hanwha Eagles star infielder Noh Si-hwan is officially testing the waters of Major League Baseball through the posting system, drawing mixed reviews from American analysts regarding his power bat and defensive adaptability.

On Sunday, MLB.com spotlighted several rising stars from the KBO League eyeing a transition to the majors. Among them, Noh was highlighted as a third baseman equipped with notable raw power. The official league website noted that his offensive profile possesses the traits to succeed in North America, though scouts remain cautious about his defensive consistency at the hot corner.

Potential Landing Spots and Contract Dynamics

According to MLB.com, the primary questions surrounding Noh's recruitment center on whether his hitting credentials warrant consideration as a designated hitter and if MLB clubs can match the financial framework of his massive domestic extension.

Earlier this February, Noh inked a landmark 11-year multi-year agreement with the Hanwha Eagles worth up to 30.7 billion KRW, which included an opt-out clause permitting a major league posting after the 2026 season. If a deal with an MLB franchise is not finalized by the deadline—set for 7:00 AM KST on December 2 (5:00 PM EST on December 1)—Noh will return to fulfill his remaining commitments with Hanwha.

MLB.com identified the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Angels as logical destinations for the slugging infielder. Noh enjoyed a productive campaign this past season, batting .283 with 29 home runs, 96 RBIs, and 97 runs scored across 127 games. Other KBO standouts mentioned by the platform as future MLB candidates include KIA Tigers' Kim Do-young, Doosan Bears' Kwak 빈, NC Dinos' Kim Ju-won, and Samsung Lions' Won Tae-in.

Scouting Reports Highlight Strikeout Concerns and Defensive Questions

Despite his prodigious power, mainstream American media evaluations remain measured. NBC Sports noted that while Noh’s OPS over the past two seasons has hovered roughly .120 points above the KBO league average, his swing-and-miss tendencies have risen. His strikeout rate climbed to 25.7% this season, notably higher than the KBO league average of 19.5%.

Furthermore, analysts suggest that Noh’s defensive profile at third base is viewed as serviceable rather than elite, raising questions about whether he can secure an everyday role straight away. Lingering perceptions from recent struggles by other Korean position players in the majors—such as Kim Hye-sung, Kim Ha-seong, and Song Sung-mun—may also impact early attention.

The Scarcity Factor at Third Base

Nevertheless, market conditions could work in Noh's favor. With a notable scarcity of proven, everyday third basemen available in the current free-agent market, organizations searching for infield corner depth could drive up his value if evaluations of his glove work trend positively.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]