How strong is the South Korea National Baseball Team? For the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the roster features 5 players currently on the MLB 40-man roster. This mix of KBO League (Korean Professional Baseball) stars and Major League Baseball talent makes Korea competitive.
Here is the complete profile of the MLB players representing Team Korea in the 2026 WBC.
1. Jung Hoo Lee (San Francisco Giants) – Captain
As the 2026 WBC Team Korea Captain, Lee is the face of the nation. After a legendary career with the Kiwoom Heroes (2017-2023), he signed a massive $113 million contract to join the San Francisco Giants.
- Full Name: Jung Hoo Lee (이정후)
- Nationality: South Korea
- Born: August 20, 1998
- Position: Outfielder
- Draft: 2017 2nd Overall
- Contract: $113,000,000 (2024-2029)
- 2026 Salary: $22,000,000
- 2025 MLB Stats: 150 G, 560 AB, .266 AVG, .327 OBP, .407 SLG, .735 OPS, 8 HR
- Instagram: @hoohoohoo_
2. Hye Seong Kim (Los Angeles Dodgers)
A versatile infielder and utility player who dominated the KBO with the Kiwoom Heroes (2017-2024). He officially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, bringing elite speed and contact to the Dodgers’ roster.
- Full Name: Hye-seong Kim (김혜성)
- Nationality: South Korea
- Born: January 27, 1999
- Position: Utility (Infielder)
- Draft: 2017 17th Overall
- Contract: $12,500,000 (2025-2027)
- 2026 Salary: $3,750,000
- 2025 MLB Stats: 71 G, 161 AB, .280 AVG, .314 OBP, .385 SLG, .699 OPS, 3 HR
- Instagram: @kimhs.3
3. Riley O’Brien (St. Louis Cardinals)
A powerhouse relief pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. Having played for the Cincinnati Reds (2021) and Seattle Mariners (2022), his MLB experience is crucial for Korea’s bullpen.
- Full Name: Riley Chun-Young O’Brien
- Nationality: USA (Korean-American Heritage)
- Born: February 6, 1995
- Positon: Closer
- Draft: 2017 Round 8, 229th Overall
- 2026 Salary: $760,000
- 2025 MLB Stats: 42 G, 2.06 ERA, 3 W, 1 L, 6 HLD, 6/9 SV, .196 AVG, 1.15 WHIP
- Instagram: @rileyyobrien
4. Jahmai Jones (Detroit Tigers)
A powerful utility player providing much-needed depth. His impressive .937 OPS in the 2025 season shows he can be a game-changer in the middle of the order. Before joining the Detroit Tigers, Jones gained experience with the Angels, Orioles, Brewers, and NY Yankees.
- Full Name: Jahmai Fitzgerald Jones
- Nationality: USA (Korean-American Heritage)
- Born: August 4, 1997
- Position: Utility / DH
- Draft: 2015 Round 2, 70th Overall
- 2026 Salary: $810,000
- 2025 MLB Stats: 72 G, 129 AB, .287 AVG, .387 OBP, .550 SLG, .937 OPS, 7 HR
- Instagram: @jamjones7
5. Shay Whitcomb (Houston Astros)
The Houston Astros infielder brings MLB-caliber defense to the hot corner. While still young, his presence strengthens the Korean national team defense.
- Full Name: Shay Lane Whitcomb
- Nationality: USA (Korean-American Heritage)
- Born: September 28, 1998
- Position: Infielder (3B)
- Draft: 2020 Round 5, 160th Overall
- 2026 Salary: $760,000
- 2025 MLB Stats: 20 G, 32 AB, .125 AVG, .125 OBP, .219 SLG, .344 OPS, 1 HR
- Instagram: @shay_whitcomb
😵 Why are American-born players on Team Korea?
One of the most unique aspects of the World Baseball Classic is its eligibility rules. Unlike the Olympics, the WBC allows players to represent a country based on their heritage, not just their current citizenship. As long as a player has at least one parent or grandparent born in South Korea—or if the player themselves is eligible for a South Korean passport—they can suit up for Team Korea. This is why talented Korean-American MLB players like Riley O’Brien, Jahmai Jones, and Shay Whitcomb can bring their Major League experience to the Korean national roster, strengthening the team’s depth for the 2026 WBC.
🌟 Conclusion: How Strong is Team Korea?
With a mix of KBO League (Korean Professional Baseball) stars and established MLB players, South Korea is looking to reclaim its glory on the international stage. Keep an eye on these five athletes as they lead the charge in the 2026 WBC.