On February 6, at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Ryu Ji-hyun, manager of the Korean national baseball team, answers a reporter's question at the 2026 WBC National Team Press Conference. [Yonhap News]

Four Korean-American foreign players with Major League Baseball (MLB) experience have joined the Korean national baseball team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), which aims to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years.

These players, who are considered key assets to replace those unable to play due to injuries, such as Kim Ha-seong (30, Atlanta Braves) and Moon Dong-ju (22, Hanwha Eagles), are expected to help fill the team's resource gaps.

The KBO announced at a press conference for the 2026 WBC national team held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 6th, stating, "Korean-American foreign players Shay Whitcomb (27, Houston Astros), Jermaine Jones (28, Detroit Tigers), Riley O'Brien (31, St. Louis Cardinals), and Dane Dunning (31, Seattle Mariners), who are currently playing in MLB, will play for the 2026 WBC Korean national baseball team."

A common characteristic among these players is that their mothers are of Korean descent. In the WBC, players can choose to represent a country based on the lineage of one of their parents.

This is the first time the national team has selected Korean-American big leaguers, with the 2023 tournament marking the inaugural instance. At that time, the team included Tommy Edman (Los Angeles Dodgers), born to a second-generation Korean immigrant mother and an American father, in the roster.

The players who have joined this time are considered replacements for those who will be absent from the roster due to injuries, including Kim Ha-seong, Song Sung-moon (29, San Diego Padres), and Moon Dong-ju.

Shay Whitcomb [Getty Images/AFP=Yonhap News]

Furthermore, they are expected to address the team's shortage of right-handed hitters and bullpen pitchers.

At the press conference held on this day, Ryu Ji-hyun, the manager of the national team, explained the selection background: "Since becoming the head coach in 2023, we've had a shortage of right-handed hitters and left-handed bullpen pitchers. We had expectations that including Korean-American players would allow us to form a lineup with good left-right balance. Moreover, the players themselves expressed their strong desire to represent their mothers' country with the Taegeuk mark."

Whitcomb and Jones, in particular, were reportedly high on the priority list during the selection process.

Whitcomb, a right-handed hitting infielder who debuted in the 2024 season, is evaluated as a utility player capable of playing second base, third base, shortstop, and even outfield.

His career MLB statistics include a .178 batting average in 40 games (73 at-bats, 13 hits). However, last year, he posted solid numbers in Triple-A with a .267 batting average, 25 home runs, 64 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .869. He is expected to fill the void left by the injured Kim Ha-seong and Song Sung-moon on the national team.

Jones, a right-handed hitting outfielder who has been playing in MLB since the 2020 season, recorded a .287 batting average, 7 home runs, 23 RBIs, and an OPS of .937 in 72 games last season.

He began his professional career after being selected in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft by the Washington Nationals and has since played for teams including the Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Atlanta.

With pitch count limitations in the WBC, O'Brien and Dunning are expected to serve as reliable 'innings eaters'.

Jermaine Jones [AFP=Yonhap News]

O'Brien, a right-handed pitcher who throws fastballs up to 160 km/h, was a key bullpen pitcher for his team last season, pitching 48 innings over 42 games. He recorded 45 strikeouts, with a 3-1 record, 6 saves, and an ERA of 2.06. He is expected to serve as the closer for this tournament.

Dunning, also a right-handed pitcher, has played for teams including the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers. He has a career MLB record of 28 wins, 32 losses, 2 saves, and 3 holds with an ERA of 4.44 in 136 appearances.

Last season, he appeared in 12 MLB games, pitching 20⅔ innings, and his ERA was 6.97. For this tournament, he is expected to pitch in both starting and relief roles.

The joining time for these players is expected to be just before the exhibition games in Osaka on March 2nd, after the second spring training camp in Okinawa, Japan.

Manager Ryu stated, "While synchronizing during the Okinawa training would be the best-case scenario, there are administrative difficulties. We are moving to Osaka from Okinawa on the 28th, and considering jet lag and conditioning issues, we are preparing for these players to arrive early and get some rest."

Riley O'Brien [Getty Images/AFP=Yonhap News]