Ohtani's Historic Announcement: South Korea's Unbroken Streak of Disasters

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South Korea's Quest to Reignite Baseball Supremacy

South Korea is determined to reclaim its status as a dominant force in Asian baseball, with the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) serving as a crucial test. The country has been working diligently to assemble a strong team, led by head coach Ryu Ji-hyuk, and plans to hold its first Saipan camp next month. This initiative aims to provide the national team players with an extended period of training before the competition.

The WBC has become a significant stage for Korean baseball, but the nation has faced challenges in recent years. Since the 2006 tournament, where they reached the semifinals and finished second in 2009, South Korea has struggled. They suffered three consecutive first-round eliminations in 2013, 2017, and 2023. The 2023 loss to Australia, a country not traditionally seen as a baseball powerhouse, sparked discussions about a crisis in Korean baseball.

Despite these setbacks, South Korea remains focused on making a comeback. The Premier 12 tournament held last year also failed to meet expectations, as the team was eliminated by Taiwan and Japan. This event, which is considered less prestigious than the WBC, had previously seen South Korea win the first tournament in 2015 and finish as runners-up in 2019.

Building the Team for the 2026 WBC

South Korea has already released the list of players for the first Saipan camp, excluding major leaguers such as Kim Ha-sung, Lee Jung-hoo, and Kim Hye-sung. However, players not initially included may still join the final roster. Shohei Ohtani, despite his star status, is not expected to participate. Players like Tommy Edman could potentially join the team, but there are no top-tier Major League stars on the list.

Ryu Hyun-jin, a veteran player in his late 30s, remains one of the most respected figures in Korean baseball. He is expected to lead the team alongside young talents like Hanwha Young-gun Moon Dong-joo and Jung Woo-joo. Ryu has shown enthusiasm for representing the national team, raising hopes for a successful campaign.

New Faces and Rising Stars

Several new players are expected to make an impact in the upcoming tournament. Song Sung-moon, who recently signed with the San Diego Padres, along with last year's MVP Kim Do-young from the KIA Tigers, switch-hitter shortstop Kim Joo-won from the NC Dinos, and emerging star Ahn Hyun-min from the KT Wiz, are among the names to watch. These players have expressed their desire to challenge for spots in the Major League, making the WBC a key opportunity to showcase their skills.

South Korea's immediate goal is to advance to the Super Round. Beyond that, the focus will be on achieving results that can sustain the popularity of the KBO League, which saw over 12 million spectators this year. The success of the 2026 WBC will be vital in maintaining this momentum.

International Competition Intensifies

The competition between the U.S. and Japan is already fierce. The U.S. has announced a star-studded lineup, including Aaron Judge, the home run king, and Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skins. The team also includes Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, along with catcher Cal Lally. This group is being dubbed the "Dream Team" due to the sheer talent on display.

Japan, the 2023 champion, is also a formidable opponent. They have revealed eight players for the WBC, including Yuki Otani, Yusei Kikuchi, Hiromi Ito, Daisei Ota, Atsuki Tanichi, Kaima Daira, and Daichi Ishii. Ohtani, known for his pitching prowess, is joined by seven other pitchers. Additional players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga are still in the mix, adding to Japan's strength.