MLB career ended → KBO rookie at 36 from military due to injury? Is it realistic
Oct 04, 2025
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Choi Ji-man, a former Korean major leaguer, was discharged from the military due to injury while serving as a social service agent. Choi Ji-man's agency 'SportsVive'In 3 days "We inform you that Choi Ji-man's military service disposition has been changed to wartime labor and has been discharged from the military serviceAfter completing his major league career, Choi Ji-man returned to Korea and served as a social service agent from May 15, 2025. However, he was recently thoroughly examined for knee pain, and according to the medical staff's findings, the Military Manpower Administration's reexamination procedure was conducted, and he was discharged from the military as of August 26, 2025 after being diagnosed as a level 5 wartime worker.'
Choi Ji-man underwent a cartilage plate resection on the meniscus of his right knee in 2021, when he was playing in the United States, and his agency explained that the condition of the area has continued to deteriorate since then.
Choi Ji-man recently confirmed cartilage defect and arthritis progression in the right knee joint femoral scar along with degenerative changes in the surgical site, and was diagnosed with treatment and recovery. Choi Ji-man, who is currently in treatment and rehabilitation training, is also likely to perform surgery after watching the progress. So I was discharged from the military after being diagnosed with level 5.
Choi Ji-man, a native of Dongsan High School in Incheon, signed an international amateur free contract with the Seattle Mariners shortly after graduating from high school and went straight to the U.S. He made his big league debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016, and later played for the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres.
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Choi Ji-man, who blew the entire 2024 season, briefly trained with the LG Twins at the Arizona camp training site in the U.S. earlier this year, when he met with Korean reporters and said, `I want to play in the KBO League after completing my military duty" expressed his intention.
Choi Ji-man, who returned home afterwards, said, `I will fulfill my military duty as a citizen of the Republic of KoreaHe joined the army on May 15th. If he completes his military service duty, which has not yet been resolved even after the age of 30, he will be able to meet some of the two-year grace period when returning to Korea as a direct amateur player.
The military service ended faster than expected due to the recurrence of injuries, but he has to wait another year to participate in the KBO League rookie draft. Choi Ji-man can participate in the 2027 rookie draft, which will be held in September next year, as an overseas player, and can play from the 2027 season.
The key is age and physical condition. Choi Ji-man, who was born in 1991, will turn 36 in the 2027 season. He has a major league career and is certainly a good hitter, but it is not easy to make a decision to recruit him as he is almost the oldest in the team.
In addition, there is also concern about the injury that has been held back at the end of his major career. We have no choice but to worry about areas that have consistently had problems such as knee pain and arthritis. If he shows his best physical condition again during a year of rehabilitation, there is one last hope.
It is read that Choi Ji-man is still motivated to continue his baseball career. As long as you have spent in the United States, you may want to play in your home country league. However, a number of practical problems are barriers. What choice will he have in a year.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
