Former major league hitter Choi Ji-man said Tuesday that he does not want to steal the spotlight from young prospects at the upcoming draft for Korea's top baseball league, insisting that student-athletes deserve to take center stage.

Regardless of his wishes, Choi is expected to be the hottest name at the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) draft on Sept. 21. The 35-year-old, who appeared in 525 Major League Baseball (MLB) games, could be selected in the first round.

Choi, who has been playing for the Ulsan Whales in the Futures League — the KBO's feeder circuit — took part in the pre-draft workout Tuesday alongside several other draft hopefuls.

The annual workout gives players not currently registered with high school or university teams a chance to impress KBO scouts and improve their draft prospects. It is reserved for players in the following categories: those who played professional or amateur baseball overseas without having previously competed in the KBO; those who played for a Korean high school or university but dropped out; and those who have played at least one game for a Futures League team or a KBO-recognized independent team, even without graduating from a school with a baseball team.

For a player of Choi's profile, the workout is an unusual route into the KBO. Most Korean players enter the league straight out of high school or university through the standard draft, and returning big leaguers typically draw heavy attention because KBO clubs have historically valued proven experience. The case is also notable because, unlike overseas-based veterans who join KBO teams as free agents, Choi is entering through the draft itself, meaning the club that selects him secures his rights.

"I was pretty nervous coming in and I am happy with how the workout went," Choi told reporters afterward. "Scouts asked me a lot of questions. I am grateful for their interest."

In 20 games for the Whales so far, Choi has batted .308 with a home run, seven RBIs and an on-base plus slugging percentage of .847.

"It does not matter whether I get picked in the first round. And I feel some pressure every time I hear that I may get selected early," Choi said, reiterating a long-held stance. "And it is not because I have doubts about my abilities. I just want young student-athletes to go higher in the draft and make a lot of money in signing bonus. I have watched our junior national team play and I saw a lot of talented players."

Choi signed with the Seattle Mariners out of high school in 2009 and made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016. Over his MLB career, he collected 67 home runs and 238 RBIs. In 2020, as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, Choi became the first Korean position player to play in a World Series.

With the draft about three weeks away, Choi said he was growing more nervous by the day.

"I feel like I am back in high school. I left for the United States without experiencing these jitters," Choi said. "I think about how my career would have played out if I had not gone to the U.S. back then."

Choi revealed that friends on some KBO teams have been calling him, hoping he will join them as a teammate next year.

"I have no idea where I will end up, so my head hurts," Choi said with a laugh. "No matter where I go, I will play my best. If I can stay healthy, I think I should be able to put up good numbers."