The New York Yankees are doing their due diligence on the scouting front in South Korea.
The current-day Yankees are working towards a deep postseason run, but the front office also has its eyes set on the future.
According to KBO in English on X, the Yankees are finalizing a contract with 17-year-old third baseman Joh Sung-chul.
"Joh was considered to be a first-round draft pick if he entered the KBO draft," KBO in English wrote.
It appears the right-handed hitter will bypass a career in South Korea in the Korea Baseball Organization and take his talents to Major League Baseball.
In 79 plate appearances at Raon High School in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Joh is hitting .344 with four home runs and a 1.118 OPS.
Technically, Joh cannot sign a contract with the Yankees until the next international signing period, which begins on Jan. 15, 2027. The AL East club won't announce his signing bonus until at least the first day the signing period opens.
The current international signing period concludes on Dec. 15, 2026. It allows amateur players from outside the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico to sign professional contracts with MLB organizations.
In June, the Yankees agreed to a contract with Taiwanese right-hander Chien-Fan Lai, New York's first signing of an amateur free agent from Asia in 12 years.
Mario Garza was hired as the Yankees' new director of international scouting this past January.
“On a bigger scale,” Garza told The Athletic's Brendan Kuty about Lai's signing, “this exemplifies what we’re trying to do internationally. We’re trying to broaden our footprint. We want to make Asia a priority. We believe in the talent in Asia, and it’s going to be hopefully the first of many signings out of Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and all of Asia.”
The Yankees are hoping that thorough scouting in Asia will help them continue to find auspicious prospects like Joh and Lai.