Full Breakdown
South Korea Prepares for World Baseball Classic with Foreign-Born Players
1/10/2026, 7:59:22 AM
National Team Roster Development
As South Korea gears up for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) scheduled from March 5-17, 2026, manager Ryu Ji-hyun is optimistic about including up to four foreign-born players of Korean descent in his roster. Ryu recently led a preliminary camp in Saipan, where he gathered nearly 30 players, primarily from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Among the U.S.-based players attending are Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Go Woo-suk, who recently signed with the Detroit Tigers.
Eligibility and Player Selection
The WBC's eligibility rules allow players to represent the country of one of their parents, even if they were not born there. This has enabled South Korea to consider players like Jahmai Jones and Riley O'Brien, both U.S. natives with Korean mothers, for the upcoming tournament. Ryu expressed confidence in securing their participation, stating, "We've taken all the steps we could... O'Brien and Jones have expressed strong interest, and we expect them to join the team unless there is any major issue."
Player Performance and Contributions
Jones had a notable 2025 season, achieving career highs with a .287 batting average and seven home runs. O'Brien also excelled, posting a 2.06 ERA over 48 innings, marking a significant improvement in his performance. Additionally, the KBO is eyeing other potential players, including half-Korean pitcher Dane Dunning and veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder, who was adopted by an American family.
Training Camp Insights
The Saipan camp, which concludes on January 21, serves as an essential opportunity for pitchers to build their endurance ahead of the high-stakes competition. Ryu emphasized the importance of early training, stating, "I spoke to the players... and I felt we all needed to be on the same page to make the most of this opportunity." Veteran pitchers like Ryu Hyun-jin and Noh Kyung-eun are also participating, providing mentorship to younger players.
Upcoming Camps and Challenges
Following the Saipan camp, the national team will hold another training session in Okinawa, Japan, in mid-February. However, U.S.-based players will not be available for this camp due to their commitments to spring training with their respective clubs. Notably, South Korean MLB players Kim Ha-seong and Lee Jung-hoo will join the team later in Japan, contingent upon their clubs' permissions.
Goals for the Tournament
South Korea aims to advance beyond the preliminary round of the WBC for the first time since 2009, when they reached the finals. Ryu's strategic inclusion of foreign-born players and the emphasis on early training reflect a focused approach to achieving this goal.
Official Statements & Responses
Ryu Ji-hyun remarked on the significance of the upcoming tournament, highlighting the need for a cohesive team effort. He noted the importance of veteran players setting a strong example for the younger roster members.
Verbatim Quotes
- "We've taken all the steps we could... O'Brien and Jones have expressed strong interest, and we expect them to join the team unless there is any major issue." — Ryu Ji-hyun, Manager of the South Korean National Baseball Team
- "I spoke to the players... and I felt we all needed to be on the same page to make the most of this opportunity." — Ryu Ji-hyun
This preparation phase is critical as South Korea seeks to enhance its performance in the World Baseball Classic, leveraging both domestic talent and the unique eligibility of foreign-born players.
