Chicago Cubs sign little-known college dropout

The Chicago Cubs have signed a little-known South Korean college dropout to a minor league deal, a team official told Yonhap on Tuesday, saying the team hopes the player will realize his potential in a new environment.

Baseball America, which covers young prospects in and outside the United States, announced on its website over the weekend that the Cubs had signed shortstop Son Ho-young. Sung Min-kyu, a Pacific Rim scout for the Cubs, confirmed the transaction Tuesday.

Son, 19, played parts of the 2013 season with Hongik University in Seoul but dropped out before completing his freshman year. He played his last game on June 29 last year.

As Hongik’s primary leadoff man and shortstop, Son batted .298 in 15 games with 12 runs scored, five RBIs, five walks and 14 steals. “In his first season at Hongik, he was a great defensive player with a good throwing arm,” Sung said. “He had above average speed and could steal bases. He was a fearless player.” (Yonhap)