SAIPAN, 20 JANUARY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Los Angeles Dodgers utility infielder Kim Hye-seong is among a group of South Korean professional players training on Saipan as the national team begins its preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
The Korean Baseball Organisation says the Saipan camp, running from 10 to 21 January, is the first phase of Team Korea’s build-up for the WBC, which will be held in March in Tokyo. Players attending the camp are competing for places on the final 30-man roster.
Training is being held at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Baseball Field, which has recently undergone upgrades to meet professional standards, including the construction of a new four-mound pitcher’s bullpen.
The chair of the Marianas Visitors Authority, Warren Villagomez, said hosting South Korea’s national team was a significant boost for the Northern Mariana Islands’ sports tourism ambitions.
“This changes perceptions about Saipan’s ability to host a baseball training camp,” Villagomez said. “It’s a positive step for the CNMI and opens the door for future camps, not just in baseball but in other sports as well.”
A total of 29 players is currently taking part in the camp, including 16 pitchers and 13 position players drawn from Major League Baseball organisations and South Korea’s KBO League.
Among the pitchers is former MLB ace Ryujin Hyun of the Hanwha Eagles, who is serving as the pitching captain. Veteran reliever Noh Kyung-eun of the SSG Landers has also drawn attention as the first pitcher to complete a bullpen session on Saipan.
U.S-based reliever Go Woo-suk, who recently signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers and is assigned to their Triple-A affiliate in Toledo, is also participating.
Other pitchers in camp include Moon Dong-ju, Jeong Woo-joo and Choi Jae-hoon of the Hanwha Eagles, Park Young-hyun and Ahn Hyun-min of the KT Wiz, Won Tae-in and Bae Chan-seung of the Samsung Lions, as well as Kim Do-young of the Kia Tigers.
The position-player group is led by Kim Hye-seong, who made his Major League debut with the Dodgers in 2025 after an eight-season career in the KBO League. Park Hae-min of the LG Twins is serving as the fielding captain, while 2024 KBO Most Valuable Player Kim Do-young and 2025 Rookie of the Year Ahn Hyun-min are also in camp.
Other position players include No Si-hwan and Moon Hyun-bin of the Hanwha Eagles, Koo Ja-wook of the Samsung Lions, and several additional KBO standouts competing for roster spots.
Kim Hye-seong is reported to be fully healthy after ending his 2025 MLB season early to focus on rehabilitation. Players have also been engaging with local fans during their stay, including autograph signings.
National team manager Ryu Ji-hyun has indicated that the squad will be expanded in February, with up to four foreign-born players of Korean descent and several MLB stars expected to join later in the preparation cycle.
Those expected to link up with the team ahead of the tournament include San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo, Atlanta Braves infielder Kim Ha-seong, and San Diego Padres infielder Song Sung-mun, subject to club approval. Korean American candidates Riley O’Brien of the St. Louis Cardinals and Jahmai Jones of the Detroit Tigers are also under consideration.
After the Saipan camp, Team Korea will hold a second training camp in Okinawa, Japan, in mid-February, before finalising its roster for the World Baseball Classic…. PACNEWS