"I really hope that the WBC competition can be my showcase (for MLB)."

Won Tae-in (25) of the Samsung Lions was very frank. He did not hide his intention to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic scheduled for March next year.안전놀이터

After training at Akama Ball Park in Onnason, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan on Thursday, Won met with reporters and talked about the results of the training camp.

What was most interesting among them was the story of the WBC. Won Tae-in, who tied with Kwak Bin of the Doosan Bears for the most wins last year with 15 wins, showed stellar performance in the fall baseball league, but has been slowly improving his physical condition after suddenly injuring his shoulder in the Korean Series.

"I stopped while pitching in the bullpen. I think I will slowly raise (the pace) upon returning to Korea. It is inconvenient for my team to come back when I am not perfect," he said. "I think it is right for me to join the first team when I have recovered my pitching capability."

Won Tae-in also failed to get back on track, while Denny Reyes and Kim Young-woong returned home early due to injuries. Even Lee Chang-yong collapsed after being hit by a pitch, and failed to complete the camp for a thorough checkup before boarding a plane back home. Despite this, the atmosphere at the camp has contrasted a lot from last year due to stellar performance by rookie players and synergy effect from the camp has created room for Won to slowly prepare for the camp.

Won said, "I don't think it will take long. I hope you don't worry because I'll be back soon," adding, "As always, a healthy Won Tae-in will do his best to bring good results to the team."

Given his confidence, he can draw a bigger picture. He will participate in the WBC in March next year. "I think we can become a good team only when veteran players and young players who can maintain the balance are combined," Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants said recently. "The national team is not a place to go to gain experience. I think it would be great if both young and veteran players go."

"We will prepare for the championship by March next year and make the best team," Korean national team coach Ryu Ji-hyun said. "Not only the major leaguers but also Korean-American players will be checked. We will build a national team based solely on our performance in the 2025 season."

Ryu Hyun-jin of Hanwha Eagles has consistently expressed his commitment to play in the national team. Although Won Tae-in has consistently played in international competitions for the national team, he has a strong desire to play in the Dream Team due to poor performance in the WBC.

"I have a lot of greed. I want to participate in WBC because it is the biggest competition as a baseball player that I want to participate in every competition until I retire," he said. "This time, I want to make sure that we have the best players and show them a really good performance at international competitions so that we can repay their popularity."

Attention is focusing on the national team, which will feature Lee Jung-hoo, Kim Ha-sung (Tampa Bay), Kim Hye-sung (LA Dodgers), and even legendary Korean pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin. Won Tae-in is also not careless. "I think I am in a position where I am not guaranteed a seat if I say that I will play overseas," Won said. "I hope I will make another year by showing really good performances this year."

It is also motivating to increase the value of the tournament to be held during the free agent season. "I think I'm lucky to have such a big WBC competition in my year as an FA," he said. "It's hard for an MLB official ball to throw a fastball, but my main weapon, change-up, drops more and becomes more effective."

I had a chance to imagine Won's WBC performance indirectly. At a special game between the San Diego Padres and the MLB Seoul Series held in March last year, Won pitched three hits, one walk, and three strikeouts during two innings. Notably, he displayed impressive changeups in which he struck out Manny Machado and Tyler Wade by swinging.

San Diego manager Mike Shildt said at the time that Won Tae-in threw a really great breaking ball. "Fernando Tatis Jr. said the changeup was really good." Jake Cronenworth was also amazed that the breaking ball suddenly came in.

"It's true that I've definitely gained confidence that 'my change-up could work' through the Seoul Series," he said, adding, "It's an honor (I got a lot of praise), so I really hope that this WBC tournament can be my showcase (for MLB)." He also did not hide his dream of entering MLB.