Ji Man Choi was born on May 19, 1991, in Incheon, South Korea. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 260 pounds, Choi began his baseball journey in his home country before signing with the Seattle Mariners as an international free agent in 2009. His early career was marked by steady development through the minor leagues, where he showcased his potential as a switch-hitting first baseman with a keen eye for the strike zone.
Choi is known for his disciplined approach at the plate, which is evident in his career on-base percentage (OBP) of .348 as of the 2023 season. He's a left-handed hitter with power potential, having hit double-digit home runs in multiple MLB seasons. Defensively, Choi is versatile, primarily playing first base but also contributing as a designated hitter. His ability to get on base and deliver in clutch situations makes him a valuable asset to any lineup.
Choi's MLB journey has been highlighted by his performance with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he played a key role in the team's 2020 American League Championship victory. His postseason contributions, including a .385 OBP in the 2020 playoffs, demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. Additionally, Choi became the first Korean-born player to appear in a World Series game as a first baseman, marking a significant milestone in his career.
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