South Korea’s Baseball Powerhouse: An Hyun-min and Kim Do-young Ignite WBC Campaign
The South Korean national baseball team received a promising boost ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) with a powerful display from rising stars An Hyun-min and Kim Do-young in their first practice game against the Samsung Lions. The duo’s performance signals a potential modern era for Korean baseball, blending youthful energy with proven talent.
An Hyun-min’s Explosive Start
An Hyun-min, the reigning KBO League Rookie of the Year, wasted no time making an impact. He launched a solo home run in his first at-bat against Samsung’s starting pitcher, Choi Won-tae. The hit demonstrated his raw power and ability to perform under pressure. An Hyun-min expressed confidence, stating he believes he can maintain this level of performance in the WBC if he avoids feeling overwhelmed.
His impressive 2024 season, where he batted .334 with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs, earned him both the Rookie of the Year award and a Golden Glove in the outfield. He continued to impress in international play, hitting consecutive home runs in evaluation games against Japan in November.
Kim Do-young’s Supporting Role
Following An Hyun-min’s home run, Kim Do-young, the 2024 KBO League MVP, added to the offensive momentum with a double. This showcased the potential synergy between the two players at the top of the batting order. Kim Do-young’s stellar 2024 season saw him hit .347 with 38 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases.
Despite facing injury setbacks in the past, including three hamstring injuries in 2024, Kim Do-young has successfully recovered and is ready to contribute to the national team. His dedication to rehabilitation has paid off, allowing him to regain his form and earn a spot on the WBC roster.
Manager Ryu Ji-hyun’s Flexible Approach
Team manager Ryu Ji-hyun emphasized a data-driven approach to lineup construction, stating that players in good condition will be positioned higher in the batting order. He acknowledged the strong performance of An Hyun-min, Kim Do-young, and Park Hae-min, as well as pitchers So Hyung-jun and Ko Young-pyo.
Ryu Ji-hyun plans to evaluate all potential lineup combinations during the remaining seven evaluation games before finalizing the roster for the WBC. He believes that prioritizing player form will be crucial for maximizing the team’s offensive output.
The Potential for a Dynamic Duo
An Hyun-min and Kim Do-young’s combined performance in the practice game has generated excitement among fans and analysts. Their ability to consistently deliver hits and generate runs could be a key factor in South Korea’s success in the WBC. Both players expressed optimism about their potential synergy, believing they can achieve even greater results as they build chemistry and refine their timing.
Looking Ahead: WBC Prospects
South Korea will face further evaluation games against the Czech Republic and Japan to prepare for the WBC. The team’s performance in these games will be crucial in determining the final roster and establishing a winning strategy. The success of An Hyun-min and Kim Do-young will be central to these efforts.
FAQ
Q: What positions do An Hyun-min and Kim Do-young play?
A: An Hyun-min plays outfield, and Kim Do-young is a versatile player who can play multiple positions.
Q: What were the key stats for An Hyun-min in 2024?
A: He batted .334 with 22 home runs and 80 RBIs.
Q: What were the key stats for Kim Do-young in 2024?
A: He batted .347 with 38 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases.
Q: What is Manager Ryu Ji-hyun’s strategy for the WBC?
A: He plans to prioritize player condition when determining the batting order and will evaluate all lineup combinations during the evaluation games.
Did you know? MLB.com recently highlighted An Hyun-min as a key player to watch for South Korea, comparing his physique to that of Mike Trout.
Pro Tip: Focusing on player conditioning and strategic lineup adjustments can significantly impact a team’s performance in a tournament like the WBC.
What are your thoughts on the potential of An Hyun-min and Kim Do-young? Share your predictions in the comments below!
