World Baseball Network is taking a way too early look at what some squads could look like for the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Today, we look at what a potential lineup could look like for South Korea.
Most of their 2023 team could return to the fold for 2026, as most eyes will be on KBO phenom Kim Do-Yeong. Kim put together a 30-30 season at just 20 years old, hitting .347, with 38 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases. Many eyes will also be on Tommy Edman and Hye-Seong Kim, who will be teammates for the first time in 2025, with Kim signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Other hitters who could join South Korea in 2026 are JJ Wetherholt, Euiji Yang, Ji Hwan Bae, Ji Hwan Oh, Ji-Man Choi, and Rob Refsnyder.
Korea’s pitching looks to remain dominant, and it could be likely that Young-pyo Ko could be a favorite to start in Korea’s first game in 2026. The 33-year-old has pitched with the KT Wiz since 2015. Last season, Ko went 6-8 in 18 games and 17 starts, posting a 4.95 ERA, striking out 79 batters over 100 innings. Ko was also one of South Korea’s main starting pitchers during the Premier12 tournament. Other candidates who could join him in their rotation are Tae-Won In, Been Gwak, and Hyeong-Jong Yang.
As for South Korea’s bullpen, there are several options for who could secure the spot as the team’s closer. Jung Hai-young could be a candidate to lock down saves for their team. He led the entire KBO in saves in 2024 with 31 as a member of the KT Wiz. Other candidates who could bid for saves include Joo Hyun-sang, Kim Taek-yeon, and former MLB closer Seung-Hwan Oh.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will begin on March 5 and run until March 17. South Korea will be in Pool C, which will be played at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. In Pool C, South Korea will face Japan, Australia, and the Czech Republic.
