Houston Astros pitcher Sai Wittcom has arrived at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, to join the Korean national baseball team’s training camp for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Alongside Jeremy Johns and Go Woo-seok, Wittcom, an American player eligible through his Korean mother, begins joint workouts with the squad on March 1.
Warm Reception Fuels Excitement
Sai Wittcom expressed delight at the enthusiastic welcome. “No matter how many countries speak Korean, it’s amazing to think ‘How many people speak Korean?'” he said, highlighting his admiration for Korean culture and language.
Wittcom noted the genuine passion of the fans and staff. “It’s an honor to join the Korean team. Meeting so many passionate people makes it even better,” he added. He emphasized feeling at home, stating, “The fans are real. They make you feel like you’ve come to your own country.”
The team atmosphere impressed him further. “They welcomed me warmly despite being foreigners. My confidence grew because of the atmosphere,” Wittcom shared. Korean culture, from food to language, draws him in deeply.
Roster Competition Heats Up
Manager Ryu Ji-hyun praised the newcomers. “These players are the best assets to our pride. They came at the right time,” he said of the foreign talents strengthening the squad.
Utility infield spots spark competition. Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers), No Si-hwan (Hanwha Eagles), and Kim Joo-won (NC Dinos) vie for positions alongside Wittcom. Kim Hye-seong (Lotte Giants) also shares training moments, fostering team chemistry.
Wittcom remains optimistic. “I have the skills to compete here. In spring camp, consistent performance means 100% chance to make the team,” he confidently declared, eyeing the upcoming games.
Path to WBC Success
Ryu Ji-hyun highlighted the training’s value. “Watching them compete motivates everyone. Today’s session showed even greater potential,” he remarked. The manager anticipates strong showings in the next five games, including key qualifiers.
The Korean team builds momentum with this diverse roster, blending local stars and eligible internationals for a competitive edge in the WBC qualifiers.
