Alan Choo is one of the top players in California's CCCAA and is also the son of former Major League Baseball outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. He will take the field for the Nanaimo NightOwls this summer and may have his named called at the MLB draft in July.

By Dan Marshall

NIghtOwls add Choo

NightOwls sign son of former Seattle Mariners outfielder

Mar 15, 2026 | 7:57 AM

NANAIMO — The NightOwls will have some Major League Baseball bloodlines on their roster this season.

Alan Choo, the son of former MLB outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, will suit up for the West Coast League team in 2026.

The 21-year-old plays for Orange Coast College in California and is tied for third in home runs in the CCCAA with nine.

NightOwls co-owner Jim Swanson said the team is getting one of the best players from a very competitive league.

“We’re really excited to have him. He’s got left-handed power and that plays very well at Serauxmen Stadium. To put him in a lineup that includes Jacob Hayes, who was an all-star last year, to have them split time between first base and DH (designated hitter), we think that will give us a big middle of the order that will be as good as we’ve ever had.”

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Shin-Soo Choo came to North America from Korea and finished with 218 career home runs over 16-seasons that included stops in Seattle, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Texas.

Swanson said Choo is one of many sons of ex-major leaguers who are following in their father’s footsteps.

“DNA is really important in baseball, and the bloodlines really show that. Look at the guys who have played in the big leagues and now have sons that are doing that. The name will mean a lot to our team. We haven’t had a player with that kind of name recognition yet in Nanaimo.”

Name recognition may sell some tickets, but ultimately, players have to prove their abilities on the field.

Swanson said Alan Choo is on the radar for MLB teams and is draft eligible this summer.

“We’ve had three guys drafted in our history. Alan is definitely in the conversation for the draft. We’ll see how that plays out in the third week of July. Hopefully, he comes and puts up numbers. He’ll enjoy the atmosphere, the city and the opportunity to be a NightOwl.”

Nanaimo announced 16 player signings in February and early March, including local products Easton Mould and Reed Sutton.

They will begin their fifth West Coast League season with an exhibition game on May 27 against the VIU Mariners, the season opens at Ridgefield on May 29 and the home opener is June versus Kelowna at Serauxmen Stadium.

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