Team Korea Opens WBC Camp to Overseas Players Like Go Woo-suk, But MLB Approval is Key

Team Korea is rolling out the welcome mat for its overseas stars ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC), but the final guest list depends on one major gatekeeper: Major League Baseball. An open invitation to its January training camp signals the team's intent to build its strongest roster, though negotiations with MLB clubs will be the final hurdle.

An Open Invitation to Saipan

According to a Yonhap report citing a national team official, players who competed overseas in 2025 are welcome to join the team's training camp in Saipan, scheduled for January 9-21. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced an initial 29-man roster on December 3, comprised entirely of KBO players. However, one of those players, infielder Song Sung-mun, has since signed with the San Diego Padres. His availability for both the camp and the WBC tournament, set for March 5-17, remains a question mark pending discussions with his new club.

A Comeback Chance for Go Woo-suk?

Pitcher Go Woo-suk is a prime example of a player who could benefit from the camp. After a turbulent 2025 season in the minor leagues for affiliates of the Padres, Miami Marlins, and Detroit Tigers, he was released by the Tigers in November and is currently a free agent. As he seeks another opportunity in the U.S., his unattached status gives him the freedom to join the national team's preparations.

Despite mediocre minor league numbers—a 5.61 ERA across 76 games—the national team still views the former KBO star closer as a potentially valuable bullpen piece. "It's still premature to talk about choosing Go Woo-suk for the WBC, but he is a player that can help the national team," the official stated. "If he wants to, he can come to our camp."

The Real Challenge: Active MLB Stars

The biggest question marks surround South Korea's active MLB players: Kim Ha-seong of the Atlanta Braves, Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants, and Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It's likely that Kim Ha-seong and Lee would skip the Saipan camp and join the team just for the tournament, if given the green light from their clubs. Kim Hye-seong has reportedly already asked the Dodgers for permission to play and hopes to participate in the training camp as well. Ultimately, their presence on the final roster depends entirely on their clubs' approval.