MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byung Ho Park will probably experience a sharp transition from Korean competition to Major League Baseball.

Park and the Minnesota Twins are confident the 28-year-old slugger can handle it.

Park summed up his belief Wednesday through an interpreter at his introductory news conference: "Baseball is baseball."

The Twins posted the highest bid last month to the Nexen Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization before working out a $12 million, four-year contract for Park. He batted .343 with 35 doubles, 53 home runs and 146 RBIs in 140 games in the 2015 season.

Park is a natural first baseman, but with Joe Mauer there in Minnesota he will be the team's primary designated hitter.

Park will be the 18th player born in Korea to reach the major leagues.

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