South Korea enters the 2026 World Baseball Classic looking to reverse a string of poor finishes in recent tournaments. The team has failed to advance past the first round in the last three WBCs after finishing as runners-up in 2009. An 8-7 upset loss to Australia sealed another early exit in 2023, despite South Korea being viewed as the clear No. 2 team in the pool.
South Korea will face an even steeper challenge in 2026, competing in a highly competitive pool in Tokyo.
Players to Watch
Right-hander Tae-in Won is expected to be one of South Korea’s top starters. RThe Samsung Lions pitcher enjoyed one of the best seasons of his KBO career in 2025, posting a 3.24 ERA across a career-high 166 2/3 innings with 108 strikeouts. Like much of the rotation, Won relies more on command than power, with a fastball that tops out at 93 mph and typically sits around 91.
Riley O’Brien will serve as South Korea’s closer after a breakout 2025 season. Once a starter in the minors who sat 91-92 mph and briefly reached the majors in 2021, O’Brien transitioned to a bullpen role and saw his velocity jump, averaging 98 mph last season. His sinker is his best pitch, and his 55.2% groundball rate helps offset a modest strikeout total for a pitcher with elite velocity. He posted a 2.06 ERA with 45 strikeouts in 48 innings for the St. Louis Cardinals. After South Korea’s bullpen struggled in 2023, the Korean-American right-hander provides a dependable option to close games in 2026.
Outfielder Hyun-min Ahn is one of the team’s top offensive threats. The 22-year-old emerged as a star in his first full KBO season, hitting .334/.448/.570 with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs. He is expected to be one of South Korea’s best hitters and could serve as the team’s designated hitter.
Jahmai Jones earned a spot on the roster following a breakout 2025 season with the Detroit Tigers. After brief stints with four MLB organizations, Jones found consistent playing time in Detroit and capitalized on the opportunity. In 150 plate appearances, he hit .287/.387/.550 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs. Primarily used as a platoon bat, he crushed left-handed pitching with a .970 OPS and held his own against right-handers with a .797 OPS in 25 at-bats. While deployed in a platoon role at the MLB level, Jones is expected to serve as South Korea’s everyday right fielder.